“My dream is to become No 1” – Fonseca
The 18-year-old from Brazil won the Next Gen ATP Finals title on Sunday
After winning the Next Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah on Sunday, Brazil ‘s Joao Fonseca has revealed that his goal is to become world No 1 in the future.
Fonseca defeated American Learner Tien in four sets in the final on Sunday to go undefeated in Jeddah and become only the third 18-year-old to win the event (the other two being Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz).
Now as he takes a break to enjoy some downtime before getting ready for the new season, the big-hitting Brazilian says he is amazed by how far he has come this year.
“If you told Joao at the start of the year that he did all the things he did this year, he would think it is amazing,” Fonseca said as quoted by the ATP Tour website.
“It is amazing how I have improved physically and mentally. I have been very strong mentally, winning matches against Top 50, Top 20 players. I am proud of myself, but of course I want more. My dream is to become No 1. Of course, now after winning Next Gen, I want to enjoy it this week and relax and celebrate with my family. I want to enjoy the moment, and I am very pleased and thankful for this year.”
I love the pressure. I belong on the stage of tennis where you have to be brave, where you have to go for the shot.
Not one to shy away from the big occasions, Fonseca said he enjoys playing in difficult circumstances and the big stages in the sport.
“I talk with my coach that I like to play big matches in difficult circumstances,” Fonseca said. “I like playing the big guys. I like when I have a difficult match in a big stadium. I love the pressure. I belong on the stage of tennis where you have to be brave, where you have to go for the shot. I think I have improved a lot.”
Fonseca believes his success this week is a validation for the work he is putting in and now he aims to perform as well at the Grand Slams.
“By winning Next Gen, it shows I am on the right path. I hope I can do the same or even better than what they have done and are doing and are going to do. I look forward to playing with them and I hope I can compete in big matches at Grand Slams. It is where I want to go.”