Joao Fonseca has not covered himself in glory so far during the 2026 ATP season.
The Brazilian teenager has won just one match this year, having picked up a win in his opening match at the Rio Open.
Following a withdrawal from the Brisbane International, Fonseca suffered consecutive losses at the Australian Open and the Argentina Open.
Which Grand Slam title would you like to see Joao Fonseca win?
He beat compatriot Thiago Monteiro in Rio, but then fell to Peruvian star Ignacio Buse in his second match at the tournament.
Despite the poor string of results, Fonseca has been backed by Serena Williams‘ former coach, Rick Macci.
Rick Macci thinks Joao Fonseca is the ‘real deal’
In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Macci said: “Fonseca is the real deal, so trust me, he will be on fire soon.
“He is 19 ranked 24 on the planet, and his game is solid as granite. Adversity and losing is your best friend on your way to the top.
“[It] makes you dig deeper, not stop to become one of the cream of the crop.”
Where do you think Joao Fonseca will be ranked at the end of the 2026 season?
Fonseca reached a career-high ranking of 24 towards the end of his 2025 campaign, but is now ranked 38th in the world.
He lost points with his opening loss at the Argentina Open, where he was the defending champion.
Joao Fonseca will have the chance to pick up points in Indian Wells
Fonseca’s next big chance to pick up some points will come at the Indian Wells Open; the first ATP Masters 1000 event of the season.
Last year, Fonseca claimed one win in Indian Wells, beating Britain’s Jacob Fearnley in three sets.
In round two, however, he lost to Fearnley’s compatriot, Jack Draper, who ultimately went on to win the competition.
Draper defeated Holger Rune in the championship match last year to secure a maiden Master 1000 crown.
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