Emerging Brazilian tennis prodigy, Joao Fonseca, has courted attention by making his pick for the greatest tennis player of all time. In an interview with Brazilian media outlet Globo, Fonseca stated unequivocally that his choice for the greatest of all time, or ‘GOAT’, in tennis is none other than the Swiss maestro, Roger Federer. He also confirmed Federer as his personal sporting icon.
At just 18 years of age, Fonseca is the youngest player to be ranked among the top 100 in the ATP rankings, currently sitting at number 70. His rapid ascent in the world of tennis is a testament to his enormous potential and the excitement he brings to the sport.
The young Brazilian has already begun to make his mark on the ATP tour, securing his first title at the Argentina Open in Buenos Aires. He demonstrated his prowess on the court by defeating four Argentine players out of five matches to clinch the title. His impressive performance didn’t stop there, as Fonseca concluded 2024 by claiming victory in all five matches at the Next Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah.
Carrying his winning streak into the new year, Fonseca triumphed at the Canberra Challenger, not dropping a single set throughout the tournament. Following this, he qualified for the Australian Open, making a grand entrance by defeating Andrey Rublev in straight sets in his Grand Slam main draw debut.
Fonseca’s association with Federer extends beyond admiration – he is sponsored by Swiss sportswear brand ‘On’, a company where Federer holds a stake. His endorsement of Federer as the GOAT was firm and unwavering. “Federer. There’s no way to change that,” he stated, adding, “People can say that Djokovic is the greatest of all time, but for me there’s no way. Djokovic may be the best of all time, but Federer is the greatest. Unmatched.”
When asked about his own strengths on the court, Fonseca pointed to his forehand as his technical advantage. However, he also emphasized his mental maturity and the ability to make crucial decisions during high-stakes moments in the game. He believes his mental fortitude, especially when fatigued, sets him apart from his competitors.
He also reflected on the areas he has improved the most since last season. “I’m much faster, much more resilient. My serve has also improved, particularly my first serve, which is something I used to struggle with. Now, I’m more consistent. I’ve managed to balance strength and power with consistency. I believe that my physicality and consistency are the things I’ve improved the most,” he said.
In the competitive world of tennis where debates about the GOAT are common, Fonseca’s views offer fresh perspectives from a rising star. His admiration for Federer and unwavering belief in his greatness not only showcase his respect for the sport and its legends but also reveal the standards he sets for himself as he continues his ascent in the world of tennis.
