Australian Open > Joao Fonseca (18 years old), impressive knocker of Andrey Rublev in the 1st round: “Roger Federer has always been my idol, I grew up watching him play. When I was younger, I even tried the one-handed backhand”

Announced for several years as one of the great hopes of world tennis, Joao Fonseca is slowly being confirmed.

Author of a great start to the season, the 18-year-old Brazilian simply offered himself on the 9th^e world player, Andrey Rublev, this Tuesday in the first round of the Australian Open, after a match full of mastery in three sets.

Asked at a post-match press conference about his idols and inspirations, the current 112^e It didn’t take long for the world to respond.

“Who did I try to model my game after? I mean, my idol has always been Roger. I grew up watching Roger. Of course, I think everyone wanted to play like him. But I even tried, when I was younger, the one-handed backhand. I tried for a week, then I had something in my elbow, and then I forgot, and I started playing with two hands again (smile). But yes, he is an idol for me. He inspires me. Guga (Kuerten), of course, the Brazilian, he is not only an idol as a player, but also as a person. She is such a nice person. I was able to meet him, and yes, I think these two are my idols. »

Published on Tuesday January 14, 2025 at 3:45 p.m.