Joao Fonseca is seen by many as the obvious candidate of those most likely to challenge Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
He, alongside the likes of Ben Shelton, Jack Draper and Felix Auger-Aliassime, boasts the requisite quality and necessary youth to hopefully push this dominant duo in years to come.
It does feel like that is what the men’s game richly needs too, given the fact that all of the last eight Grand Slam titles have been shared between just two individuals.
Joao Fonseca may only be young, but if he can fine-tune a few of his key weaknesses, 2026 might be the year when he steps up and creates a new Big Three.
Joao Fonseca reacts to Carlos Alcaraz’s big compliment
Speaking recently about Carlos Alcaraz, the 19-year-old spoke glowingly about the world number one and how he has already impacted his career despite having never played against one another.
They are due to clash later this month at the Miami Invitational.
Asked about the six-time Grand Slam champion, Fonseca told Sport TV: “He’s so important to our sport, and just being there, experiencing that moment with him meant a lot to me.
What do you really think about tennis exhibitions?
“Watching his routine, seeing how he prepares for matches, that was really valuable for my own growth.”
The two-time ATP title-winner then added, when hearing how complimentary Alcaraz had been about his game: “And receiving a compliment from him recently, like you [the interviewer] mentioned, that’s something really important that helps me keep going and keep believing.”
Alcaraz had said, back in October: “He’s [Fonseca] a special and incredible player.
What pundits and players have been saying about Joao Fonseca…
“The power he has is impressive, his serve is very good, something that, for me, when I entered the tour, was what I struggled with the most.
“Joao also has a brutal forehand.”
Can Joao Fonseca catch up with Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner in 2026?
The big question surrounding Fonseca is whether he can be the man to step up and turn the dominance of the New Two into a refreshed Big Three.
After all, the men’s game is calling out for a new rival for this duopoly, with Toni Nadal arguing that Alcaraz and Sinner have no rivals currently.
It feels like this Brazilian talent continues to be mentioned among those who might step into that role, and with the raw talent he possesses, there is cause for optimism.
His forehand is already talked about as one of the best on tour, and his physical skillset for an 18-year-old is freakish.
Where do you think Joao Fonseca will be ranked at the end of the 2026 season?
Alcaraz is clearly aware of the threat he poses, but the Spaniard will surely relish the challenge of a new rival, should Fonseca make the step up in 2026.
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