Joao Fonseca, 18, Reaches Wimbledon Third Round on Debut – Youngest Since 2011
Joao Fonseca, an 18-year-old from Brazil, has made history by reaching the third round of Wimbledon on his very first appearance at the tournament. He is now the youngest male player to reach this stage since Bernard Tomic did it in 2011.
After his victory over American Jenson Brooksby, Fonseca threw his arms out, looked up at the sky, and soaked in the cheers from the crowd. Then, with emotion, he bent over and buried his face in his hat before shouting “Vamos!” in celebration.
“I realised I’m in the third round,” Fonseca said afterwards, smiling as he spoke to the Tennis Channel.
The teenager won the match 6-4, 5-7, 6-2, 6-4, continuing what has been a remarkable rise in his first year as a professional tennis player.
“It’s something I’m really proud of,” Fonseca told reporters. “It’s a big achievement – not just getting through, but the way I played today. I’m getting better on grass and learning fast, so I’m really happy.”
Fonseca, who is from Rio de Janeiro, is also the first Brazilian man to reach the third round at Wimbledon since 2010, when Thomaz Bellucci did it. Now the top-ranked male player in Brazil, Fonseca is quickly gaining a strong fanbase at home and around the world.
His next match will be closely watched as the young star continues his exciting journey at SW19.
