Joao Fonseca has announced himself in a major way after beating Andrey Rublev at the Australian Open.
The Brazilian showed no signs in her Grand Slam debut against the hard-hitting World number nine, who lost in the first round at Melbourne Park for the first time since 2019.
But the teenager has been in sparkling form and is on a 14-match win streak at all levels, including his victory at the ATP Next Gen finals in December.
Fonseca showed exactly why he is one to watch by producing a thrilling performance to beat Rublev in straight sets and advance to round two at the Australian Open.
Joao Fonseca joins Roger Federer by equalling his 22-year record after Australian Open win
Joao Fonseca produced some electrifying tennis in front of a packed crown inside Margaret Court Arena on Tuesday.
The 18-year-old looked completely comfortable in what were very unfamiliar surroundings as he took on one of the world’s top players in his very first match in the main draw of a Grand Slam.
He took an even first set on a tiebreak, and he raised his level in two, as he overwhelmed Andrey Rublev with his effortless power off both the forehand and backhand.
The Brazilian then claimed the third-set tiebreak and recorded a 7-6(1), 6-3, 7-6(5) win to become just the second teenager since 1973 to defeat an ATP top 10 opponent in their very first Grand Slam match.
The other player was Mario Ancic, who beat Roger Federer at the 2002 Wimbledon Championships at just 18 years of age.
Joao Fonseca thanks the crowd after reaching round two at the Australian Open
Fonseca captivated the crowd with his supreme shotmaking, as he fired 51 winners against Rublev at the Australian Open.
He let out a huge roar following his two-hour and 23-minute victory, and post-match he thanked the crowd for their unwavering support.
“I just enjoyed every moment on this amazing court, it’s my first time playing in a huge stadium,” said Fonseca, who plays Lorenzo Sonego in round two. “I want to thank this amazing crowd. There are some Brazilians here… a lot of Brazilians here cheering for me!
“I was trying to not put pressure on myself, playing with a Top 10 guy in a huge stadium. [I was] trying to call the crowd to help me. I just enjoyed playing my game.
“That’s one thing about myself, is that I play better in the important points, I go for my shots. That was the difference today.”
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