João Fonseca is the hottest rising name in Brazilian tennis, and as he prepares to compete at the Argentina Open, the comparisons to Gustavo ‘Guga’ Kuerten are only growing louder. But while the 18-year-old phenom acknowledges the legendary status of his country’s greatest player, he’s making one thing clear: he doesn’t want to be the next Guga—he wants to be the first João.
A Breakthrough That Shook the Tennis World
Fonseca sent shockwaves through the sport with his stunning first-round victory over Andrey Rublev at the Australian Open, his first-ever win over a top-10 player. That moment propelled him into the global spotlight, and now, as he arrives in Buenos Aires, he’s no longer just another promising prospect—he’s a player to watch.
Life After Australia: “Everything Is Very New”
Speaking to the media before the tournament, Fonseca admitted his life has changed dramatically since his Melbourne heroics.
“I was in Brazil last week. I went out, and people stopped me to take pictures. It’s difficult, everything is very new,” he shared.
With newfound fame comes greater expectations, but the world No. 98 is staying grounded.
“After Australia, I gained a lot of visibility—more people know me now. There are many new things on the outside, but not on the inside. I still have the same goals, always striving for more and following my dream.”
Fonseca on the Guga Comparisons: “I Want to Be João”
It’s impossible to ignore the parallels to Kuerten, the charismatic three-time French Open champion who dominated Roland Garros in 1997, 2000, and 2001. Kuerten was more than just a tennis icon—he was a symbol of Brazilian sports greatness, beloved beyond the court.
Fonseca recognizes the honor of being linked to such a legend, but he’s not interested in living in someone else’s shadow.
“Guga is an idol for all Brazilians, not just in tennis. He’s a great person,” Fonseca said. “Today I was told he won the first edition of this tournament. I hope I can win it in the future too.”
But when it comes to the “Next Guga” label?
“I don’t like comparisons much. Everyone has their own time and can create their own history. Some Brazilians say I could be the next Guga, but I want to be João.”
Fonseca’s Clay-Court Return and Next Challenge
Fonseca is no stranger to making noise on South American clay. Just last year at the Rio Open, he made an impressive run to the quarterfinals, taking down Arthur Fils and former champion Cristian Garín along the way.
Now, he kicks off his Argentina Open campaign on Tuesday against local favorite Tomás Martín Etcheverry (8)—a battle that will be his first official match on clay this season.
With sky-high potential, growing confidence, and the eyes of Brazil upon him, Fonseca isn’t just another young talent. He’s carving out his own legacy, one win at a time.