Joao Fonseca’s first career title defence did not quite go to plan.
In his first match at the Argentina Open, Fonseca lost to Alejandro Tabilo, falling in the decisive third set 3-6, 6-3, 5-7.
The Brazilian teenager has yet to win a match so far this year, having also crashed out in the first round of the Australian Open to Eliot Spizzirri.
Where do you think Joao Fonseca will be ranked at the end of the 2026 season?
Fonseca will now get his third tournament campaign underway on home soil at the Rio Open, where he is seeded third.
Ahead of his run in Rio de Janeiro, the world number 38, who has been dealing with a back issue, provided a fitness update.
Joao Fonseca gives a positive update on his fitness in Rio
In an interview with Tennis TV, Fonseca said: “I’m feeling good. I’m ready 100% physically.
“I have been struggling in the beginning of the year with my lower back, but now I’m 100%, feeling great, back on court.
“It was a pretty tight match in Buenos Aires against a very good player, and I think the opportunity to play a week where you are a defending champion was great.
Which Grand Slam title would you like to see Joao Fonseca win?
“I’m thinking about positive things. It was my first time, and of course a little bit more pressure, but I think I handled it pretty well.
“I think my opponent played good. Things to work on, of course, but feeling confident for this week.”
Joao Fonseca’s results at the Rio Open over the years
Fonseca has featured at the Rio Open three times already in his young career, with the first appearance coming in 2023.
That year, the home hope lost in the first round to Alex Molcan, who handed him a heavy 6-0, 6-3 defeat.
In 2024, Fonseca reached the quarterfinals of the tournament before losing to Argentinian star Mariano Navone.
Last year, he was faced with Alexandre Muller in the first round, and the Frenchman beat him in straight sets.
Fonseca will be one of the heavy favourites this time around, along with first and second seeds, Francisco Cerundolo and Luciano Darderi.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
