Joao Fonseca is back in Miami and treated fans to an opening-round thriller yesterday.
Facing Fábián Marozsán, it felt like there was far more at stake for the Brazilian, knowing who he was to play next if he won his match.
He will have known just how much the entire tennis world wants to see him face Carlos Alcaraz in a competitive setting.
Fortunately, the teenage sensation did not disappoint, with Joao Fonseca battling through to ensure his spot in the third round.
However, despite a strong showing, Danielle Collins was keen to ensure the Brazilian superstar remained grounded as she offered some constructive criticism.
Danielle Collins’ only worry about Joao Fonseca
Talking to Tennis Channel, the American began by outlining her immense praise for the youngster.
Collins first admitted: “I certainly think he has the most powerful forehand.”
Where do you think Joao Fonseca will be ranked at the end of the 2026 season?
However, power does not always equate to quality, and she would emphasise as much as she added: “I wouldn’t say that it’s the best.
“I think if we’re talking about the best and the greatest, let’s look at Novak Djokovic.
“I mean, classic textbook technique on the forehand side. I’m going with Djokovic for the best forehand. But I will say he [Fonseca] has the most powerful. There’s no doubt about that.”
Once finished discussing forehands, Collins then moved on to what Fonseca perhaps lacks that might prohibit his opportunities to consistently threaten for elite honours.
She offered advice as she claimed: “You do have to mix things up. I mean, you look at the greatest of all time, they have all of the tools, they can hit it high, they can hit it heavy, they can hit it flat, driving ball, they can come in.
“That’s the only concern that I have with Fonseca, is his ability sometimes to be able to mix it up a little bit more effectively. He can do it.
Jimmy Arias, who sat beside her on the panel, echoed that sentiment: “Part of that could be that his movement isn’t at the level of those top guys. So when you don’t move as well, you better go big, you better control the points, and that’s what I think Fonseca does.”
Joao Fonseca reacts to playing Carlos Alcaraz next in Miami
As touched upon earlier, there is likely not a single tennis fan who will not be excited at the prospect of watching Alcaraz play Fonseca.
That is, despite Fonseca having been dealt an unfair blow ahead of that match, which could inhibit his chances.
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Asked about the prospect of facing the world number one after his win over Marozsán, the youngster smiled as he claimed: “Excited for sure.”
He continued: “I mean, I don’t know about the other players, but me, I look forward to playing against the top players. I mean, I played the last tournament against Jannik and now playing against Carlos, just a super experience. So I’m looking forward to it for sure.
“It’s gonna be a great match. And hopefully I can get a win.”
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