Emerging tennis star Joao Fonseca has supplemented his team with the addition of distinguished coach Franco Davin, in a move mirroring that of Grand Slam champion Juan Martin del Potro. Davin, celebrated for steering Del Potro to his 2009 US Open victory against five-time defending champion Roger Federer, is set to join Guilherme Teixeira as a second coach for Fonseca.
Fonseca, a rising teenage sensation, has found Davin’s counsel throughout 2024 particularly beneficial, prompting Teixeira, the young Brazilian’s primary coach, to bring the Argentine on board officially. Teixeira confirmed the decision, stating, “Davin will be joining us in Miami, where he currently resides.”
The team had contemplated spending a week at Davin’s gym for training if Fonseca wasn’t participating in the Phoenix tournament. However, Davin will instead accompany the team to the tournament and is likely to be present in Rio for the clay court season preparation.
Davin’s remarkable coaching record extends beyond Del Potro. He has also guided the careers of tennis stars such as Grigor Dimitrov, Guillermo Coria, and Cristian Garin. Notably, Davin captained the Argentine Davis Cup team and contributed to Fabio Fognini’s title win at the Masters 1000 event in Monte Carlo in 2019.
Teixeira, himself a former player who peaked at world No. 1,668 in doubles in 2006, recognized Fonseca’s potential when the latter was just 12. Speaking about his relationship with Davin, Teixeira noted, “He’s a guy I have great synergy with.”
Fonseca’s team values his opinion above all, and the Brazilian felt extremely comfortable with Teixeira’s consultation with Davin. The time spent together in Miami reportedly contributed to a relaxed and productive atmosphere.
Fonseca’s recent performance at the Miami Open, where he triumphed against fellow teenager Learner Tien amidst physical challenges, has been impressive. Fonseca’s last four months have been particularly successful, with wins at the Next Gen Finals, Argentina Open, and two Challenger titles.
The young Brazilian’s powerful forehand has drawn comparisons to Del Potro’s signature shot, kindling curiosity among his contemporaries. After losing to Fonseca at the Phoenix Challenger event, Kei Nishikori remarked, “His forehand speed is excellent. I think he’s a good player with a strong forehand.”
Fonseca is set to face Ugo Humbert in the second round of the Miami Open. With his recent successes and the addition of a superstar coach to his team, Fonseca’s career trajectory appears to be on the rise.
