Novak Djokovic is widely seen as the greatest player to have ever played tennis.
As such, he’s definitely qualified to deliver his verdict on the next generation of superstar, set to be present on the tour long after he has retired.
The former world number one has spoken at length about the supreme quality of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, airing his frustration at being left behind by his younger counterparts.
However, there is another who many are backing to join them and potentially push the 39-year-old even further down the pecking order.
How far do you think Novak Djokovic will go at the Australian Open?
Novak Djokovic has actually now given Joao Fonseca his public backing, when asked about what the future holds for this teenage sensation.
Novak Djokovic full of praise for Joao Fonseca
Speaking just before his Australian Open first-round match against Pedro Martinez, which he won, Djokovic chatted with ESPN Brasil about their country’s finest talent.
He was unsurprisingly complimentary about the 19-year-old, admitting: “Honestly, I see him only improving.
“I think that’s what’s expected of him, and that’s why I think it’s his intention and his team. The way they work, the way they are focused and dedicated, I think they’re on the right path, you know. Hopefully, he can stay healthy and injury-free; I see he’s been struggling a little bit with that injury, so hopefully he can be fit to also play in Australia well.
“Last year he had an incredible win against Rublev, so, you know, he’s that kind of player that can really, on a given day, beat anybody, and that’s what’s so exciting about him.
“You know, he won a big title in Switzerland, in Basel, also a few months ago. So I’m following his career, and he’s somebody to look for and to see how he can progress and evolve.
“He’s still very young; the whole of Brazil is behind him supporting him, so I wish him all the best.”
Joao Fonseca’s fitness worries ahead of the Australian Open
As Djokovic alluded to, there have been some fears over the fitness of this young superstar.
And, Fonseca provided a final fitness update before the first Grand Slam of the year just last week, offering an intriguing answer that suggested he would happily withdraw if it meant securing the long-term safety of his body.
He claimed: “Every day I’m feeling better. Hopefully I can be near 100% [when the tournament starts on Sunday].
“I need to respect my body and take the right decision because I have a long career ahead of me. I want to play [for] 15 more years.”
Which Grand Slam title would you like to see Joao Fonseca win?
It will be interesting to see how he fares when his campaign gets underway, as Fonseca faces Eliot Spizzirri in the first round.
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