Joao Fonseca will play Jannik Sinner for the first time in his career at Indian Wells.
Fonseca was in poor form coming into Indian Wells this year, having won only one of his first four matches of the 2026 season.
A lot of this was related to physical issues, but Fonseca appears to be feeling fit again after reaching the fourth round of Indian Wells for the first time in his career.
Following Fonseca’s 6-2, 6-3 victory over Tommy Paul, he has revealed if he thinks he can challenge Carlos Alcaraz and Sinner in the future.
Joao Fonseca backs himself to challenge Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner
Fonseca has been predicted to win Grand Slams, and disrupt the dominance of Alcaraz and Sinner in the future.
With a lot of attention coming his way, Fonseca has actually dismissed Alcaraz comparisons, but he was asked about the world number one and Sinner again.
Which Grand Slam title would you like to see Joao Fonseca win?
When asked if he likes the hype he receives, Fonseca explained that he sees it as a privilege instead of a pressure.
“Well, I’m not saying — well, I don’t think I like or dislike,” Fonseca responded in his post-match press conference.
“I just try to act like, try to do my things. If people say that the people think that I can be good stuff, that I can play some good tennis, that I can be there playing with Alcaraz and Sinner, and then I try to bring in a positive way, not as a pressure but as a privilege, I mean, people are saying this, so I have the game, I have the level.
“So let’s keep working and then try to do the best that I can to achieve. Yeah, I think that’s my mentality.
Like I said, I’m [a] chill and very calm guy, so I just try to take positive things about those stuff and put in my day by day.”
Fonseca was then asked a follow-up question about whether he believes the hype in himself as a potential challenge to Alcaraz and Sinner.
While he suggested that it will take time, Fonseca has backed himself to compete at the very top of the ATP Tour.
“Of course. I need to believe it,” said Fonseca. “I mean, I played [Karen] Khachanov in the second round and Tommy now, two top-15 guys. Played really well.
“I mean, I’m playing really well. I think I have the level. I’m playing really good. So, I mean, I think I can get there. It needs time, it needs to work mental, physique, needs to work the technique as well. So, yeah, there is a lot to improve, but I’m thinking I’m [on] the right path.”
Where do you think Joao Fonseca will be ranked at the end of the 2026 season?
Joao Fonseca reveals how he feels about playing Jannik Sinner for the first time
While Fonseca is often compared to Alcaraz and Sinner, he has never actually played either of them in a professional match.
With a first-time meeting against Sinner now confirmed, Fonseca has explained that he is looking forward to the match.
“I mean, the players watch a lot Carlos and Jannik playing a lot of finals and a lot of epic matches,” said Fonseca. “Both are in another level. Right now they’re playing such an amazing tennis and achieving, I mean, they’re almost winning every tournament.
“So, yeah, just like I said, it’s just a pleasure. It’s a really big thing to play against those guys. I’m gonna enjoy playing out there. I’m gonna, I mean, try of course to win.
“But at the same time, try to enjoy my time on court, try to enjoy as much as possible to see where my game is, what is the thing that he does that anyone can beat those guys.
“So, yeah, I’m just trying to work on my game tomorrow, to see the plan, and then on Tuesday be ready for the match.”
Fonseca and Sinner will go head-to-head for the first time on Tuesday, March 10.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
