Happy days are back for Brazilian tennis fans: Joao Fonseca, 18, wins first of what could be many major breakthroughs at Australian Open, qualifying stuns No. 9 seed Andrey Rublev, 7-6 (1), 6 -3, 7-6 (5).
Armed with spectacular power and fearsome shot weight, Fonseca powered past the former world number 5 in two hours and 23 minutes on the Margaret Court Arena, unleashing a forehand that would soon be the winner on match point .
” Not bad! » exclaimed Fonseca on the pitch. “I just enjoyed every moment on this incredible field. This is the first time that I play in a huge stadium, my first main draw of a Grand Slam. So, I just enjoyed playing.
“I really want to thank this incredible crowd: there are Brazilians here, a lot of Brazilians here cheering for me. I enjoyed every moment.
Fonseca hit an electrifying 51 winners in three sets to just 32 unforced errors, confirming the potential many spotted in his ATP debut in 2023. He finished last year by winning the final of the ATP Next Gen and seemed to be the most dangerous qualifier when the men. the draw was made last week.
