Joao Fonseca is through to the third round of Wimbledon after beating American Jenson Brooksby over four sets.
The Brazilian 18-year-old has long been tipped to become one of the biggest stars in the sport, and his performance at Wimbledon so far has done little to quell those expectations.
Fonseca broke onto the tennis scene in January this year, after defeating ninth seed Andrey Rublev at the Australian Open.
There are very few ATP players with his talent, and was predicted to be a top 10 player soon by John Lloyd.
However, Fonseca has limited experience on the grass, having only started competing on the surface in 2022. After speaking to the Tennis Channel, it has become clear that the youngster has been studying the greats of the game to help continue his development on the green surface.
Joao Fonseca has been watching videos of Roger Federer to prepare for Wimbledon
Speaking to the Tennis Channel, Fonseca was asked about watching videos of tennis icon Roger Federer to prepare for the grass court season.
During the interview, Fonseca said the first time he played on grass was in 2022 when he was a junior player. Despite his limited time on the surface, it is clear that he is able to adapt quickly to any surface and will be well prepared for his third round match.
Fonseca said: “I mean he’s my idol so before the grass season I have been watching some highlights of him in Halle, here in Wimbledon.
“The way that he put it, so simple that the way that he played, it’s just amazing and you think that it’s easy to play but it’s not.
“It was good just to inspire you how to play.”
Despite dropping a set against Brooksby, Fonseca came through his second round contest, winning 6-4 5-7 6-2 6-4.
The Brazilian served well during the match, winning 69 per cent of his first serve points while firing down nine aces to Brooksby’s six.
Joao Fonseca becomes the youngest man to reach the third round since 2011
The records keep on falling before Joao Fonseca.
With his victory over Brooksby, he became the youngest man to reach the third round since 2011. The previous holder of that title? The once great Australian hope, Bernard Tomic.
Fonseca could make even more history if he beats Nicolas Jarry in the third round. The Chilean qualifier has recorded an impressive run at Wimbledon so far, beating young talents Holger Rune and Learner Tien on the way to the third round.
Fonseca and Jarry are set to meet on Friday for their third round clash. A time has yet to be confirmed for the match.
