By Richard Pagliaro | @TennisNow | Tuesday, January 14, 2025
Photo credit: Hannah Peters/Getty
The “Q” next to his name signalled Joao Fonseca’s qualifier status in this Australian Open.
By the time the 18-year-old Brazilian blazed past ninth-seeded Andrey Rublev 7-6(1), 6-3, 7-6(5) in his major main-draw debut, a flame emoji seemed better branding.
Striking from all areas of the court, Fonseca was pure fire.
In a clash of former junior world No. 1 players, Fonseca was not fazed by Rublev’s power or his debut on Margaret Court Arena.
“I knew the pressure was coming. Like I said, everything was new for me, but for me, I was not the favorite,” Fonseca told the media in Melbourne. “I was trying to, like, enter the court with just, Okay, I’m an 18-year-old guy, he’s a top-10 guy. I’m going to do my best here. Of course, I’m confident.
“I know I can win, but no pressure on myself. That’s what I was trying…
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