Fonseca avoids losing his cool, beats Tsitsipas for first Montreal win

Nearly 30 years after his much-loved countryman, Gustavo Kuerten, reached the final in Montreal, Fonseca overcame Stefanos Tsitsipas 7-6 (3), 7-5 in the second round to begin play on a hot, sunny Wednesday at the National Bank Open presented by Rogers. 

The power Fonseca generates has drawn comparisons to Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, who have both complimented the game of the Rio native. Novak Djokovic has done it, too, and saw firsthand what Fonseca can do. The 19-year-old defeated the legendary Serb from two sets down at the French Open, perhaps his crowning achievement so far. There is still plenty more to come from Fonseca — including, potentially, in Montreal. Wherever he goes, Brazilian flags and yellow soccer jerseys can be found — and Centre Court in Montreal was no exception. Tsitsipas had his backers, too. 

Having not played an official match since Wimbledon, the rust was apparent in the first set.

READ: Montreal Match “Shark Bites”: What to Watch for on Wednesday at the NBO

After Fonseca led 2-0 in the first set, for example, he gifted the break immediately back by spraying shots. 

He had to save break points in two more games in the first set, roaring loudly as he held for 5-5. But Fonseca stepped it up in the tiebreaker, especially when he authored a stunning backhand volley with sidespin to get to 5-3. 

Both tallied 18 unforced errors in the first but Fonseca produced 15 winners to Tsitsipas’ seven. 

Fonseca seemed to relax — bursting into life in the second set — but not before Tsitsipas edged a 17-shot rally that featured two net cords and brilliant defence from the Greek. Tsitsipas got broken from 40-15 to trail 2-1 but they both took turns producing glittering shots. Tsitsipas’ quick hands at the net dealt with a ripped Fonseca forehand at 3-1. On the next point, Fonseca replied with a slapped forehand passing shot winner. At this point, Tsitsipas was doing well to avoid getting broken for a second time. The only other time they faced off, there was a late twist, as Tsitsipas couldn’t serve out their Davis Cup encounter in Greece last September and lost. The same thing almost happened to Fonseca at 5-4. 

“I think the Joao of last year would lose his mind,” Fonseca said. 

Tsitsipas, though, was broken back immediately and Fonseca didn’t make the same mistake twice. He is, in his own words, more “mature” now. 

“I knew it was going to be difficult for me,” said Fonseca, “I’m a couple of weeks without playing so I know serving for the match would be a little more tense. I felt like, let’s keep on going, 5-5, and I felt good. I put the pressure on him. At 6-5, I was ready to serve for the match.”

He will face either Casper Ruud in the third round.

Photo: Mathieu Bélanger