It’s just an exhibition fight. But fans can still look forward to the first meeting between Carlos Alcaraz and Joao Fonseca.
von Jens Huiber
last edited: December 8th, 2025, 12:50 p.m
© Getty Images
Actually, at the Laver Cup you should assume that the pairings are based a bit on the public’s taste. In London in 2022, it was obvious that Roger Federer would celebrate his final farewell to active tennis alongside Rafael Nadal. And a few months ago in San Francisco it would have been obvious that captains Yannick Noah and Andre Agassi had unofficially agreed to a duel between Carlos Alcaraz and Joao Fonseca.
But the legends didn’t meet each other, maybe both were in the tunnel and really wanted to win at their premiere.
And so Carlos Alcaraz, the world number one, and Joao Fonseca, perhaps the most exciting newcomer in 2025, are meeting for the first time this evening for a sporting rendezvous. However, without the prospect of points for the ATP charts, professional tennis is currently at a standstill. The game is played in the Miami Marlins stadium, which has the advantage of having a roof.
Alcaraz won two jerseys
Alcaraz has already been in Miami for a few days and has covered a whole canon of disciplines as a visitor: Carlitos was a guest at soccer (Miami FC), football (Miami Dolphins) and basketball (Miami Heat). Alcaraz picked up two jerseys, each with the number 99. This is actually reserved for Wayne Gretzky for all time, but well…
Joao Fonseca, on the other hand, has had a longer break than his current playing partner. Brazil’s great hope was able to go on vacation after being eliminated from the ATP Tour 1000 tournament in Paris. This time it won’t be interrupted by competing at the NextGen Finals. Fonseca, the current title holder, canceled there.
Now Carlos Alcaraz is a fan favorite everywhere, but Joao Fonseca also had the best experiences in Miami: his appearances at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in spring brought an international match atmosphere to the stands. This would also please the two women who will also be in the spotlight at this event: Amanda Anisimova and Jessica Pegula.
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Carlos Alcaraz
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