"I would love to change history and have Federer won Wimbledon 2019"

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Joao Fonseca is, without a doubt, one of the most promising names in the tennis galaxy. A budding superstar with his feet firmly on the ground, who despite his tremendous youth, has chosen a very sensible path, making decisions that prioritize his experience and adaptability to different contexts rather than chasing short-term gains. This approach shows a maturity that will be tested in the upcoming ATP Next Gen Finals 2024, the reward for a year in which Joao has climbed hundreds of spots to end up inside the top-150.

On his journey, the Brazilian has already showcased glimpses of the player he aspires to be: a powerful baseline player who appears increasingly complete, with a very solid backhand, a devastating forehand, and a serve that consistently features a variety of spins and placements. There is still much room for improvement in his serve, but if there's one thing that stands out about Joao, it's his courage in crucial moments, thriving when the pressure is on. On the court, of course, but... what about off the court? How does Fonseca approach this event, and what life experiences have shaped him so far?

"It's a dream to be able to compete against the best under-20 players in a tournament like this. My coach always tells me that with talent and hard work, the sky is the limit," notes the Brazilian in statements to ATP. He was the last to qualify despite his magnificent season. In his interviews, there is always a mention of his great idol, Roger Federer... and when asked about a historic moment he would have liked to play, the response once again revolves around the Swiss player.

"I stick with the moment when Roger had match point against Djokovic at Wimbledon 2019. I wish I could be Roger and hit an ace at 40-15. I want to change history!", states Fonseca, openly expressing his admiration for the Swiss, while also idolizing another significant figure: "If I could have dinner with three people, I'd choose Roger, who was my tennis idol: Kobe Bryant, for the incredible style of play he had, and my father, who would help me convey everything I want to convey and ask all the questions I'd like to ask - some questions might be difficult to express in English."

A VISIT TO THE FAVELA AND A MULTIFACETED ATHLETE

Talking about Joao means talking about a boy who tried all kinds of sports when he was young. He himself claims that until the age of 11 or 12, he played "all" types of sports: "I live near the beach, so I surfed, did a lot of cycling, tried climbing. My mother was a volleyball player, so I also tried volleyball, and I loved it. In my free time, I enjoy practicing other sports," says a sports-oriented Fonseca.

To conclude, the Brazilian does not forget his roots: one of the experiences etched in his mind is related to something that happened during the last Rio Open. "I visited a program that works with people from the favela. They are humble people, who do not have much money, and are taught to play tennis. When they saw me, I thought: 'I'm just like you, a kid of your same age'. It was a very beautiful experience. It was a very special day where I helped many children, and hopefully, I inspired them to play tennis."

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, "Me encantaría cambiar la historia y que Federer hubiese ganado Wimbledon 2019"