For a while now, Joao Fonseca has been tipped as the next big superstar in tennis, and the one to snap the dominance of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
The Brazilian, still just 19 years of age, burst onto the scene last year by winning his first two ATP Tour-level titles.
However, amid the hype, Fonseca has struggled to make a deep run at the biggest stages in tennis.
Which Grand Slam title would you like to see Joao Fonseca win?
While that remains the case, the young star definitely took a step forward in his development at the Indian Wells Open, where he forced eventual champion Sinner to two tiebreaks.
Following his campaign in ‘Tennis Paradise’, Emma Raducanu’s coach, Mark Petchey, had high praise for Fonseca.
Mark Petchey predicts Joao Fonseca will crack the top ten
Asked what Fonseca is capable of in an episode of ‘The Big T’, Petchey said: “Minimum top 10. Potentially multiple majors.
“I think in this modern day you have to come with something pretty special. You have to come with weapons.
Where do you think Joao Fonseca will be ranked at the end of the 2026 season?
“There will be arguments about if his movement is good enough and can you hit the ball as hard as he does for seven straight matches over the best of five because it takes an amazing amount of energy.
“That is going to sap him potentially. We have not seen those kind of deep runs at a major.
“There is still a few unknowns. But if you are talking about pure gain, I am saying he is in the top 10 comfortably.”
Brad Gilbert has his say on Joao Fonseca’s potential
Andre Agassi’s former coach, Brad Gilbert, added: “This is an easy one, the hype is real. He is top three material.
“The hard part is that he needs to be a little more consistent and improve his willingness to play defence, but what I saw from this tournament is that he really pushed Sinner.
“He could have easily won that first set and he was dropping 137mph at night, I did not realise he could serve that big.
“I think he works hard. I think he really has a great shot to jump in the mix with Sinner and Alcaraz.
“I think he can add a little more to his game and what’s attractive about him is that he’s only 19, there is a lot more to grow in his game. I think he would be awesome to coach. Outside of Sinner and Alcaraz, if I could choose one guy, I would take him.”
Fonseca will now have his sights set on his second appearance ever at the Miami Open.
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