Tuesday, 14 January 2025

AUSTRALIAN OPEN: JOAO FONSECA BECOMES SECOND MAN TO ACHIEVE SENSATION FEAT WITH ANDREY RUBLEV WIN


Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca delivered a stunning performance to defeat Andrey Rublev in straight sets in the first round of the 2025 Australian Open.

Fonseca prevailed 7-6(1), 6-3, 7-6(5) against Rublev, the world No 9, on Margaret Court Arena in his first-ever Grand Slam main draw match.

The 18-year-old, who is ranked 112th in the world, outserved and outhit the 27-year-old Russian star in an incredible attacking display.

Asked for his thoughts on the tennis he played, Fonseca said: “I mean, not bad (smiling).

“I just enjoyed every moment in this court, this amazing court, it’s my first time playing in a huge stadium. My first main draw of  Grand Slam, so I just enjoyed playing.

“And I really, really want to thank this amazing crowd, there are some Brazilians here, a lot of Brazilians here who are cheering for me. I enjoyed every moment. Thank you a lot.

“I was just focusing my [on] game, trying to put no pressure on myself playing with a top 10 guy in a huge stadium and just trying to call the crowd to help me. And I just enjoyed playing. I was just playing my game and now I’m in the second round.”

Fonseca is only the second teenager to defeat a player ranked in the top 10 in their maiden Grand Slam main draw match since the ATP Rankings were introduced in 1973.

Mario Ancic, a former world No 7, was the first man to accomplish this, having beaten Roger Federer on his major debut at Wimbledon in 2002.

Fonseca also addressed his ability to raise his level in the tiebreaks in the first and third sets.

“Well, I tried to put all the intensity on the important points and I think it is one thing of myself that on the important points, I play better, I go for the shots and I’m courageous. So yeah, that was the difference today,” the Brazilian explained.

Prior to this victory, Fonseca lost only 12 games across three dominant wins to qualify for the Australian Open.

The 18-year-old will face world No 55 Lorenzo Sonego in the second round in Melbourne. Fonseca beat the 29-year-old Italian in straight sets at the ATP 250 event in Bucharest in April last year.

- tennis365..com

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