With the retirement of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal over the past years, there has been a massive void in the men’s circuit. As a result, the onus now lies in the hands of the next generation of stars, who are already making some big waves on the tennis circuit. While stars like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have already established their names, other youngsters like Arthur Fils and Alex Michelsen are ready to step in. One such player is the 18-year-old Brazilian sensation, Joao Fonseca.

Making his ATP debit last year, Fonseca announced his name in the tennis world by winning the 2024 Lexington Challenger event. He also had some big wins at the Madrid Open and the Rio Open. Moreover, at just 17, he became the Junior Number 1 and had a consistent run in the tournaments he played. Despite rejecting a chance to join Roger Federer’s management agency, Joao Fonseca considers the Swiss maestro his idol.

“Federer has been my idol since I was little. I always liked watching his matches, his classic, easy, elegant style. He is a role model,” Fonseca said, further adding, “I would like to know his stories, to know what happens in difficult moments. What he felt about tennis when he was my age. He is very talented, but many say that he was not very dedicated in his youth.”

While Fonseca has been thriving on the court, he has also left the former World Number 1, Novak Djokovic, impressed. He is backed by Djokovic to achieve big things in the future. “Fonseca the Brazilian. I saw him play. He plays really well. He reminds me of my game,” Djokovic once said. Meanwhile, the Brazilian starlet is also impressed by the current domination of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz; he has already set his sights on the duo and wants to follow them.

Joao Fonseca wants to follow in the footsteps of  Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz

Despite never getting the opportunity to play against the likes of Alcaraz and Sinner, Fonseca has watched their game closely and is left impressed by the duo. As a result, he wants to imitate them and follow their career trajectory. During an interview, Fonseca revealed his plans to be among the best players of the current generation, claiming, “I look at them in their rivalry and that’s where I want to go. Sometimes I think, ‘I’m going to aim for the top 100, the top 50.’ No. I’m going to look at them. I want to be like them.”

Joao Fonseca further noted, “I want to win Grand Slams and other big tournaments. Alcaraz and Sinner serve as inspiration and motivation to keep working harder and harder. I see myself playing in big tournaments, taking part in the Grand Slams. It is not a goal or an obligation in my mind, no. It is simply what I want. Everything has its time, but it is where I want to get to and where I believe I have the potential to get to.”

Fonseca is currently playing in the ATP Next Gen Finals in Jeddah; he opened his campaign with a big win over the top seed, Arthur Fils. Do you think he can continue his winning run and clinch the title in Jeddah? Let us know your views in the comments below.