Fonseca’s forehand flies but his feet are ‘on the ground’ at NBO

Brazilian tennis fans are dreaming about Fonseca emulating Gustavo “Guga” Kuerten, a three-time French Open winner who also made the final in Montreal in 1997. 

There’s nothing he can do about such comparisons and after his win over three-time Grand Slam finalist Casper Ruud at the National Bank Open presented by Rogers on Friday night, the 19-year-old was keen to stress again that he is his own man. 

“My dream is to inspire kids, people, and do half of what these guys did,” said Fonseca, whose soft-spoken nature counters his bold game. “So, I just try to focus on my routine and what I can do to improve each day as an athlete and as a person, and I think that's it.

“I think, also, I had a good base. My parents taught me well to keep my feet on the ground. That's also a good thing I need to think of.”

“Everyone has their own time, and I'm just focusing on my history, and if people say you're going to be the next, I don't know, Guga, (Rafael) Nadal, I don't want to be them.

I just want to be me, and I'm trying to make my own history and focus on what I need to do to improve.” 

READ: Getting to know Joao Fonseca 

Fonseca is making steady progress in 2026. He achieved a pair of important milestones, making a first Masters 1000 quarterfinal in Monte Carlo, then later reaching a first Grand Slam quarterfinal at the French Open. 

His reputation grew after Fonseca became only the second player to beat Novak Djokovic from two sets down at a Grand Slam. 

But the grit was there in the previous round, too, as he rallied from two sets down against a player closer to his age, Dino Prizmic. 

Another step? Getting his feet wet against the elite. Besides defeating Djokovic, Fonseca has faced both Alcaraz and Sinner. 

He bids for a third career Top 10 win on Sunday when he plays defending champion Ben Shelton. The American, who possesses one of tennis’ biggest serves, won their lone previous clash on clay in Munich in April in three sets. 

“Here the ball is bouncing high,” said Fonseca. “So, his serve is going to be harder than it normally is. “I think this year I learned so much and had some more experience. And, yeah, I'm pretty confident in the match. I'm feeling good on court. So just let it roll and let's try to rest more and be ready for it.”

As Fonseca acknowledged, he’ll want to serve better. He struggled in the first set against Ruud, eventually taking pace off the first serve just to get it in. 

Ties to a Canadian 

He has been spending time at the NBO with Canadian Duncan Chan, who is competing in his first ATP tournament while still at Texas Christian University. 

Chan made an impression in singles and is still going in doubles alongside Laval's Alexis Galarneau. 

“He's a huge friend,” said Fonseca. “I know him and his mom a lot. We played juniors together. He's playing still college, but he's making the transition.

“Yeah, nice guy, nice dude and I wish him all the best.”

Photo: Fabrice Michel/Tennis Canada