Wawrinka: Fonseca Can Reach the Level of Sinner and Alcaraz

Joao Fonseca could emerge as the rising star capable of seriously challenging Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, according to three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka.

Wawrinka discussed the 20-year-old Brazilian’s trajectory in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport following the conclusion of his own professional career in late October at age 41, Eurosport reported.

Fonseca currently sits at No. 46 in the ATP world rankings. Abdominal muscle issues repeatedly disrupted his progress this season, prompting him to cut his campaign short.

Before his season was curtailed by injury, Fonseca captured global attention at the French Open. He defeated Novak Djokovic in the third round during an epic five-set encounter after dropping the opening two sets, Eurosport reported.

Wawrinka noted that the young Brazilian possesses distinctive qualities that set him apart on tour. “Joao Fonseca has something special: his power, his personality and the way he understands how to enjoy the big stage,” Wawrinka told Gazzetta dello Sport, as reported by Eurosport.

Wawrinka sees structural similarities between Fonseca’s development path and his own rise in professional tennis. The Swiss veteran captured his maiden Grand Slam title at age 28.

“As for me, I recognize myself a little in those players who reach maturity late and play powerful, aggressive tennis,” Wawrinka said, according to Eurosport. “It is nowhere written that you have to be a champion at 20. Sometimes it takes time to gain confidence — that was the case for me too.”

Alongside the Brazilian, prospects such as Rafael Jódar, Jakub Mensik, and Learner Tien are all 21 years old or younger.

Rafael Jódar, Jakub Mensik, and Learner Tien are among the top prospects aged 21 or younger currently breaking through on the professional tour, Eurosport reported.

Fonseca stands at No. 46 in the world rankings. Recurring abdominal muscle problems forced him to end his season prematurely, according to Eurosport.

Wie schnitt Fonseca gegen Novak Djokovic ab? At the French Open, Fonseca overcame a two-set deficit to defeat Djokovic in five sets during their third-round match, Eurosport reported.

Wawrinka finished his career in late October after securing three major titles at the Australian Open, French Open, and US Open.

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