This year’s Swiss Indoors final in Basel unfolded with an extra dose of anticipation. Why? For years, the final has been dominated by seasoned champions like Roger Federer and Juan Martin del Potro. But unlike past editions, the 2025 tournament saw two hungry contenders stepping into the spotlight. The face-off began between Alejandro Davidovich Fokina and Joao Fonseca at the St. Jakobshalle in Basel, Switzerland. And both were chasing the same dream: their maiden ATP 500 title.

For Davidovich Fokina, the journey to the final came through unexpected turns. The Spaniard was still searching for his first career title. In the semifinal, Ugo Humbert’s retirement gave Davidovich Fokina a golden opportunity to fight for glory on Swiss soil. Meanwhile, on the other side of the court, stood the teenage phenom who secured a ticket to the final by defeating Jaume Munar. But ultimately it was the 19-year-old Fonseca who reigned supreme. But even in defeat, Davidovich Fokina remained gracious.

After a 6-3, 6-4 straight-set loss to Joao Fonseca, the 26-year-old crowned his rival with words. Davidovich Fokina said, “You played unbelievable tennis today. You are the person of this sport. You have a bright future for sure.” He then heaped some high praise on the Brazilian: “You’re gonna be the next Nole to beat Carlos and Jannik for sure.”

However, before stepping into the court in the final, Alejandro Davidovich Fokina had high hopes, for this was his fifth ATP final. After reaching the final in Basel, he shared, “I am happy to be in the final, but I am sad for my opponent. Ugo (Humbert) deserved to keep playing. We played a great match. I am happy to be in another final, I can’t believe it given how the week started.”

He further added, “With each match, I played better and better, I am now in the final and I’m going to enjoy it.” However, Davidovich Fokina did not underestimate his young opponent. He shared, “Fonseca is very young, he will be one of the best players in the world in the future. He has everything going for him, he masters every shot, mentally he is a beast. It’s going to be complicated, seeing him today against Munar was incredible.” Although the Spaniard could not secure his win against Fonseca, the teenage phenom made sure to continue his streak.

Is Joao Fonseca tennis’ next big star?

Joao Fonseca created history. Defeating the veteran Davidovich Fokina with ease in straight sets, the 19-year-old Brazilian displayed some sublime tennis skills. Fonseca fired an impressive 29 winners while dropping his serve only once. And with the win, he has become the first athlete from Brazil to win a singles title at the ATP 500 level or higher since 2001. It was Gustavo Kuerten who last did it when hewon the Cincinnati Masters back in 2001. 

Meanwhile, apart from winning the ATP 500 title, Fonseca’s career is on the rise. This was his second ATP title this year. His other triumph came in February, when he won the ATP 250 in Argentina. But his transformation in the last twelve months has been a whirlwind. Only in just last year, he had a ranking of #158. And now, the 19-year-old is under the top 30 in the world, with a rank of #28. 

Owing to his incredible rise, the Brazilian received a top 30 seeding at the Australian Open. Fonseca proceeded to make the most of it, as he earned himself an upset victory over Andrey Rublev.

But following his win against Davidovich Fokina, Fonseca was overcome with emotion. “Man, it’s crazy. It’s tough to say because we have been through a lot. I just want to just want to thank my family and my coaches who helped me to achieve this amazing effort.” He further gave a heartfelt shoutout to his father, Christiano, and mother, Roberta, for helping and supporting him throughout his tennis journey.