WATCH: Joao Fonseca draws inspiration from Rafael Nadal in his Next Gen ATP Finals Championship speech

Tennis star Joao Fonseca shared a picture with legendary player Rafael Nadal at the 2024 Next Gen ATP Finals, a decade after watching this Spanish legend compete as a seven-year-old. Fonseca faced Learner Tien in the final of the tournament and thwarted the American to become the champion.

Tennis young sensation Joao Fonseca thwarted Learner Tien to be named the second youngest champion of the Next Gen ATP Finals title. The 18-year-old star player, the youngest player in the showpiece event and the lowest-ranked player, overcame the American by 2-4, 4-3, 4-0, and 4-2 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Rafael Nadal recently visited the King Abdullah Sports City to witness such youngsters fight it out during his three-day trip to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia. After winning the Championship match, the 18-year-old was seen clicking a picture with Nadal, who sported a black suit on the occasion.

Besides that, Joao Fonseca also mentioned Rafael Nadal during his winning speech. The young tennis star spoke about how he felt after meeting Nadal during his three-day tour. The Brazil-born tennis star also spoke about his tactical skills and pragmatic approach in his speech.

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Joao Fonseca shows off his Arabic skills and shouts out Nadal in his Championship speech 😊👏#NextGenATPFinalspic.twitter.com/IatQ4jWvNE

— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) December 22, 2024

My phone unlock screen is Rafa with a sentence: Joao Fonseca

"Rafa is a legend. I am a Roger [Federer] fan but I also love Rafa. My coach is a Rafa fan. My phone unlock screen is Rafa with a sentence. It has been a pleasure to meet him," Fonseca said.

"I enjoy playing against top players, I love the pressure and big stadiums. It's amazing how I have improved physically and mentally. I have been strong, winning matches against top 50 players... I am proud of myself, my dream is to become number one, but for now, I want to savor the moment and my achievements this year," he added further.

Also Read: WATCH: Joao Fonseca celebrates Next Gen ATP Finals title win