'They’re idols..' - Joao Fonseca after receiving support from Neymar and other Brazilian legend

The ATP 500 in Rio de Janeiro brings Joao Fonseca home with a new status. With congratulations from Brazilian players like Neymar and Ronaldo, the Brazilian has entered a new realm since winning the title in Buenos Aires. Joao Fonseca won the ATP title in Buenos Aires, making tennis history in Brazil. Francisco Cerundolo, the top Argentine player and 28th in the world, lost to the 18-year-old Rio de Janeiro native in straight sets, 2-0.

Joao Fonseca became the youngest Brazilian to win an ATP tournament with his triumph in Argentina. He is currently ranked 68th in the ATP rankings, which is an incredible 580-spot jump since February 12, 2024. During the press conference, Joao Fonseca shared his thoughts on receiving warm messages from Brazilian legends.

“They’re idols… people I saw as untouchable.. for kids to say I’m an idol to them is crazy. I feel honored by the messages I have received from national and international idols. They know who I am. Neymar, Vinicius, Ronaldo. For kids to say I'm an idol to them is crazy. I'm very happy with everything that's happening.” 

Class recognizes class, celebrities across the world have expressed their praise for the new kid in the bloc, Joao Fonseca after his victory in the ATP 250 Buenos Aires open...
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.#joaofonseca #atp250 #buenosaires #neymarjr #rafaelnadal #Ronaldo #kaka #benshelton pic.twitter.com/9ABZYQAH4Q

— SportsInfo Tennis (@Sportsinfo859) February 18, 2025

Joao Fonseca defeated Andrey Rublev

After winning the Next Gen Finals in December, Fonseca claimed to have seen an increase in his profile. In his Australian Open debut, he defeated Russian Andrey Rublev, who was ranked ninth at the time, but he had no clue how much of a stir that would make. At the Rio Open, Brazil's new top seed will play Frenchman Alexandre Müller on Tuesday. He said that the backache that plagued him throughout Saturday's Buenos Aires semi-final has completely gone away.

Additionally, this year, Fonseca inked a deal with a sports gear company that tennis great Roger Federer co-owns. He uses a modified version of Federer's racquet during play. Only three players, including American Ben Shelton and Polish sensation Iga Swiatek, represent the Swiss brand, demonstrating faith in his abilities.