Watch João Fonseca vs. Herbert Live in Roland Garros 2025 2nd Round: Where to Watch and Schedule

At 18, João Fonseca, Brazil’s rising tennis star, steps onto Court 14 at Roland Garros in Paris on Thursday, May 29, 2025, to face Frenchman Pierre-Hugues Herbert in the second round. Scheduled for around 10 a.m. Brasília time (3 p.m. Paris time), the match follows Fonseca’s stunning straight-sets victory over Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz in the first round. The young carioca aims to advance in the world’s most prestigious clay-court tournament, with a potential third-round clash against Gael Monfils or Jack Draper awaiting. In Brazil, fans can catch the live broadcast on ESPN 2 (pay TV) or stream it on Disney+, which offers full coverage of the Paris Grand Slam. As the third match on Court 14, the start time depends on prior games, but the coverage ensures fans won’t miss a moment. Fonseca’s breakout performance has drawn global attention, marking him as the youngest player to win a match at the tournament since Carlos Alcaraz in 2021.

Fonseca, ranked 65th by the ATP, dominated Hurkacz, then 28th in the world, with a 6/2, 6/4, 6/2 scoreline in front of 1,300 spectators on Court 7. The win solidified his reputation as a prodigy, and now he faces Herbert, ranked 147th, who battled past compatriot Benjamin Bonzi in a five-set opener. The match tests Fonseca’s momentum against a seasoned player backed by the home crowd.

• Live broadcast: ESPN 2 and Disney+ air the match in real time.
• Estimated start: Around 10 a.m. Brasília time, subject to prior matches.
• Court 14: With 2,200 seats, it expects a vibrant mix of Brazilian and French fans.

The clash is a pivotal moment for Fonseca, who seeks to build on his historic debut and navigate the pressure of a raucous Paris crowd.

João chegando hoje mais cedo em Roland Garros ☀️

[Via IG/rolandgarros] pic.twitter.com/cUBj3JAZRp

— João Fonseca Updates (@fonsecaupdates) May 29, 2025

Where to watch live

The João Fonseca vs. Pierre-Hugues Herbert match will be broadcast live on ESPN 2, available through pay-TV providers like Claro, Sky, and Vivo in Brazil. Disney+ streams the game in full, covering all Roland Garros courts, including Court 14. A Disney+ subscription, starting at R$ 33.90 monthly, grants access on smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, or computers, with replay options for subscribers. ESPN 2 is accessible on channels like 71 (Claro) or 571 (Sky), though numbers vary by region.

Coverage begins at 6 a.m. Brasília time with the day’s opening matches, but Fonseca’s game, the third on Court 14, is expected between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., depending on earlier contests: Alex de Minaur vs. Alexander Bublik and Barbora Krejcikova vs. Veronika Kudermetova. Fans can track real-time updates via ge.globo’s interactive scoreboard or the Roland Garros app, which provide live stats and point-by-point coverage.

• ESPN 2 channels: Check local listings for exact channel numbers.
• Disney+ streaming: Available on multiple devices with HD quality.
• Online tracking: ge.globo and X posts offer live updates and stats.

Match preparation

Fonseca enters the match with confidence after his commanding win over Hurkacz, where he won 76.1% of first-serve points and converted 34.2% of break-point chances. His clay-court preparation included strong showings at the Rio Open and ATP 250 in Estoril, sharpening his forehand and court movement. Coached by Guilherme Teixeira, Fonseca blends power and agility, ideal for the slow, demanding clay of Roland Garros.

Herbert, 34, endured a grueling three-hour, five-set match against Bonzi in the first round. A doubles specialist with five Grand Slam titles, including Roland Garros in 2018 and 2021, he peaked at 36th in singles in 2019. His 2025 singles record stands at 12 wins in 28 matches, reflecting inconsistency but also flashes of brilliance, especially at net.

Court 14 spotlight

Court 14, seating 2,200, is Roland Garros’ fourth-largest venue and was chosen to accommodate the growing interest in Fonseca after his packed debut on Court 7. That match saw 1,500 fans, with some climbing Philippe-Chatrier’s stands for a glimpse. The tournament organizers upgraded Fonseca’s match to Court 14, anticipating a larger crowd, including Brazilian supporters who have created a lively atmosphere reminiscent of Gustavo Kuerten’s era.

• Increased capacity: Court 14 holds 700 more fans than Court 7.
• Brazilian presence: Fans from Brazil and the diaspora are expected in droves.
• Prime location: The court is near main entrances, easing fan access.

Schedule and potential delays

As the third match on Court 14, Fonseca’s game is slated for 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Brasília time, but the exact start hinges on the duration of De Minaur vs. Bublik (starting at 6 a.m.) and Krejcikova vs. Kudermetova. Men’s matches, like De Minaur’s, can be swift, while women’s games, like Krejcikova’s, may extend. ESPN 2 and Disney+ will adjust coverage dynamically, with real-time updates on their apps and the Roland Garros website. Fans can also follow X accounts like @fonsecaupdates for instant alerts on schedule changes.

The ge.globo website offers a live tracker with detailed stats, such as aces, winners, and unforced errors, while the Roland Garros app provides a 3D court view for premium users. Social media engagement, especially on X, amplifies the match with fan reactions and expert commentary.

Match context

Fonseca and Herbert have never met on the professional circuit, adding intrigue to the matchup. Fonseca, with three 2025 titles (Challengers in Canberra and Phoenix, plus the ATP 250 in Buenos Aires), climbed to 57th in the live ATP rankings post-Hurkacz. His mature play earned praise from Andy Roddick, who called him “a future top 20 player.” Herbert, leveraging his doubles-honed net game and powerful serve, aims to disrupt Fonseca’s rhythm but struggles against baseline consistency.

The Brazilian’s clay prowess, with 6 wins in 9 matches this season, contrasts with Herbert’s 4-6 clay record in 2025. Fonseca’s ability to sustain long rallies could exploit Herbert’s recent stamina issues, while the Frenchman’s home support may lift his performance.

Potential next opponents

A win sets Fonseca against either Gael Monfils or Jack Draper in the third round. Monfils, 42nd in the world, holds the record for most five-set wins (12) in Roland Garros history. His first-round victory over Hugo Dellien thrilled the Paris crowd. At 38, Monfils has 17 wins in 24 matches this year, including the ATP 250 in Auckland. Draper, ranked 5th, defeated Fonseca in Indian Wells (6/4, 6/3) and won that Masters 1000 title. The 23-year-old Brit also beat Monfils in 2022 in Canada.

• Monfils’ legacy: Known for acrobatic play and fan engagement.
• Draper’s rise: 2025’s Indian Wells champion and a top-5 star.
• Head-to-head: Draper leads Fonseca 1-0, Monfils untested against the Brazilian.

Tournament coverage

Roland Garros 2025 enjoys extensive Brazilian coverage. ESPN 2 airs key matches, while Disney+ streams every court, letting fans toggle between games. Other Thursday highlights include Jannik Sinner vs. Richard Gasquet and Novak Djokovic vs. Corentin Moutet, both on ESPN and Disney+. Portals like Lance! and Tenis News provide live blogs, and the Roland Garros app offers stats like serve speed and rally length.

Brazilian fans are active on X, with hashtags like #FonsecaRolandGarros trending. The tournament, running May 25 to June 8, culminates in the men’s and women’s finals, broadcast live across platforms.

Fan support

Brazilian fans have transformed Fonseca’s matches into a spectacle, echoing Gustavo Kuerten’s glory days. The first-round crowd on Court 7 spilled over, prompting the move to Court 14. Brazilian expats and tourists, waving flags and chanting, are expected to pack the stands. Organizers may shift Fonseca to larger courts, like Simonne-Mathieu (5,000 seats), if he advances, based on ticket demand.

Clay-court dynamics

Roland Garros’ slow clay rewards endurance and topspin, suiting Fonseca’s 6-3 clay record in 2025. His ability to grind out points contrasts with Herbert’s 4-6 clay tally and reliance on quick points. The match will hinge on Fonseca’s baseline consistency versus Herbert’s net attacks, with the crowd’s energy as a wildcard.

Other key matches

Thursday’s schedule features Sinner vs. Gasquet, Djokovic vs. Moutet, and Madison Keys vs. Katie Boulter. As the second round wraps, Fonseca remains Brazil’s lone singles representative, carrying national hopes into the weekend. The tournament’s early stages are setting the stage for a thrilling race to the finals.