Joao Fonseca further outlined his credentials as one of the Tour’s brightest prospects on Saturday at the Miami Open presented by Itau. The 18-year-old Brazilian delivered a five-star display to defeat 19th seed Ugo Humbert 6-4, 6-3, marking his entry into the third round of an ATP Masters 1000 for the first time in his fledgling career.
With this victory, Fonseca has become the youngest player to achieve this feat since Carlos Alcaraz in Paris in 2021. The match, which faced a last-minute schedule change that relocated it from Grandstand to Stadium, showcased a vibrant atmosphere fueled by Fonseca's growing Brazilian fanbase, who gradually filled the stands.
“When the crowd is with any player, they are more hyped,” Fonseca noted. “I started the match today super relaxed, with no nerves. That was good, I served well. I had a quick break; he was maybe a little bit more nervous in the beginning, but I started well, and that’s what made the difference.”
Fonseca broke Humbert's serve to love in the opening game and maintained his lead throughout, closing out the match in just 71 minutes without facing a break point—an impressive statistical achievement that highlights his growing prowess on the court. According to Infosys ATP Stats, he dropped only four points on serve during the match.
The Brazilian’s performance stood in stark contrast to his previous encounter against fellow #NextGenATP star Learner Tien, where he had battled physical discomfort in the later stages. This time, sans any visible signs of strain, Fonseca executed a game plan marked by aggression, particularly with his forehand, and showed remarkable steadiness with his backhand.
Fonseca’s record against Top-20 players is also improving; after this match, he stands at 3-2 against this tier of competitors. Notably, he leveled his Lexus ATP Head2Head series with Humbert at 1-1.
Earlier this season, Fonseca celebrated a landmark victory, claiming his maiden tour-level title at the ATP tournament in Buenos Aires in February 2025. This success propelled him to a career-high ranking of No. 58 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings, giving him momentum as he heads into Miami.
Looking ahead to the third round, Fonseca will face either Alex de Minaur, the Australian tenaciously ranked No. 10, or Buyunchaokete, currently at No. 69 in the world. As Fonseca continues to navigate through the tournament, the expectations surrounding him are rapidly rising.
“Today I started well because he was more nervous. The pressure was on his side; I was just relaxed. It was very nice today,” Fonseca said reflecting on his successful match against Humbert, hinting at his confidence going forward.
In a year that has been full of promise for Fonseca, his achievements at the Miami Open serve as a testament to his potential. With the crowd on his side and a match-up against formidable opponents in the next rounds, the stakes are high, and the world of tennis is watching. As fans eagerly anticipate his performance, Fonseca himself remains firmly grounded, focused, and hungry for more success.
His remarkable entry into the third round of Miami not only positions him as a fierce contender but also illuminates the growing talent pool within the sport, likely inspiring a new generation of tennis players. Each match is an opportunity to showcase his skills further—both to his audience and to the tennis community, heightening the drama and excitement leading into the next chapter of his career.
Will Fonseca continue his stellar run at the Miami Open? Only time will tell, but his journey thus far has certainly been one worth following, as he steps closer to achieving greatness on the world stage.
