The young Brazilian tennis player João Fonseca, ranked number 1 in Brazil and 47th globally, is set to debut at the Masters 1000 in Toronto, starting on Sunday, July 27, 2025. The tournament, now expanded to 12 days with a historic 96-player draw, promises to be a landmark on the ATP circuit. The main draw, determining Fonseca’s first-round opponent, will take place on Friday, July 25, at 12 PM local time. With top players like Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, and Novak Djokovic absent, the event opens opportunities for surprises, and Fonseca, at just 18, aims to seize the moment. Held at Sobeys Stadium, the competition is one of the most prestigious on the calendar and marks the Brazilian’s first appearance in the Canadian tournament.
Following his third-round loss at Wimbledon in early July, Fonseca returns to hard courts, where he has secured three of his five Masters 1000 career wins. Coached by Guilherme Teixeira, the Brazilian faces a challenging yet less pressured scenario due to the absence of favorites. The expanded draw and new two-week format make the tournament a unique opportunity for emerging players.
- Tournament highlights:
- Expanded draw with 96 players, the largest in its history.
- Withdrawals of major names like Sinner, Alcaraz, and Djokovic.
- Toronto alternates annually with Montreal as host city.
- Total prize money includes US$457,150 for the doubles winner.
The anticipation around Fonseca grows, especially after his performances in Indian Wells and Miami, where he showed consistency against high-level opponents. Friday’s draw will be crucial in defining the Brazilian’s path in the tournament.
🔹 Gráfico bem legal feito pelo @timebrasil mostrando a escalada do João no ranking da ATP, do primeiro ponto que o levou ao 1350º lugar em 2022, até furar o top 50 recentemente.
— João Fonseca Updates (@fonsecaupdates) July 23, 2025
[Via IG/timebrasil] pic.twitter.com/FPC7TEe9uQ
New format raises expectations
For the first time, the Toronto Masters 1000 adopts a 12-day format, aligning with other major tournaments like Indian Wells and Miami. The ATP’s change aims to provide more rest for players and greater event visibility, with additional matches and night sessions starting August 4. The expanded 96-player draw allows more non-seeded players, like João Fonseca, to compete, with the first round scheduled for Sunday or Monday.
The new format has sparked some criticism. Fans and lower-ranked players argue that extending the event to two weeks reduces opportunities for smaller ATP 250 and 500 tournaments, limiting access for rising players. Still, the structure benefits athletes like Fonseca, offering chances to face diverse opponents and earn critical ranking points.
Withdrawals open opportunities
The Toronto Masters 1000 faces a wave of withdrawals that has reshaped the competitive landscape. Jannik Sinner, world number 1 and 2023 champion, opted out, alongside Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, and Jack Draper. Other absences include Tommy Paul, Grigor Dimitrov, Sebastian Korda, Hubert Hurkacz, and Jordan Thompson. These withdrawals reduce the presence of Grand Slam champions, leaving Daniil Medvedev, the 2021 winner, as the only former Major champion in the field.
Fonseca, who faced Paul in Madrid, may benefit from this scenario. The American, ranked 15th, was one of Fonseca’s opponents on clay, but his absence creates room for less predictable matchups. Dimitrov, recovering from a pectoral muscle injury sustained at Wimbledon, also won’t compete, easing pressure on newcomers.
- Key withdrawals:
- Jannik Sinner: world number 1, 2023 champion.
- Carlos Alcaraz: number 2, Wimbledon 2025 finalist.
- Novak Djokovic: four-time tournament champion.
- Tommy Paul: defeated Fonseca in Madrid 2025.
- Grigor Dimitrov: sidelined after Wimbledon injury.
Favorites in the spotlight
With major names out, new protagonists emerge. Alexander Zverev, world number 3, leads the favorites, followed by Taylor Fritz, Lorenzo Musetti, Ben Shelton, Holger Rune, Andrey Rublev, Frances Tiafoe, and Casper Ruud. Fritz, a Wimbledon 2025 semifinalist and 2024 US Open finalist, is a strong contender, particularly on North American hard courts. Musetti and Rune, rising young stars, also aim for their first Masters 1000 title.
Zverev, the 2017 champion, returns to Toronto with the experience of a former winner and the drive to solidify his top-3 status. Rublev, the 2024 finalist who lost to Alexei Popyrin, seeks to regain momentum after an inconsistent year. These players promise intense battles, especially in the later rounds, with exclusive night sessions starting August 4.
João Fonseca’s Masters history
João Fonseca’s Masters 1000 journey is short but promising. Of his five career wins at this level, three came on hard courts, boosting confidence for Toronto. In Indian Wells, he defeated Jacob Fearnley before falling to Jack Draper. In Miami, he beat Learner Tien and Ugo Humbert but lost to Alex De Minaur in the third round, his best result so far. On clay, Fonseca reached the second round in Madrid, losing to Tommy Paul, and fell in the Rome opener to Fabian Marozsan.
The 18-year-old Brazilian is known for his aggressive play and powerful shots, traits well-suited to hard courts. His preparation for Toronto included intense training post-Wimbledon, focusing on consistency in long matches. Guilherme Teixeira’s coaching has been key in refining Fonseca’s game, especially against higher-ranked opponents.
Tournament tradition
The Canadian Masters 1000, known as the National Bank Open, is the second-oldest tennis tournament globally, trailing only Wimbledon. Started in 1881, it has crowned champions like Ivan Lendl (six titles), Rafael Nadal (five), and Novak Djokovic (four). The 2025 edition in Toronto alternates annually with Montreal, upholding a long-standing tradition. The current champion, Alexei Popyrin, stunned in 2024 by defeating Andrey Rublev in straight sets.
The tournament has seen historic moments. In 2007, Djokovic became the first to beat Nadal and Federer in the same event. In 2017, 18-year-old Denis Shapovalov upset Nadal in Montreal, reaching the semifinals. These achievements inspire young players like Fonseca, who dreams of making his mark.
Numbers and curiosities
The Toronto Masters 1000 awards 1,000 ranking points to the champion, a major draw for players. The prize money, though not fully disclosed for 2025, follows a high standard, with US$457,150 for the 2024 doubles winner. The Sobeys Stadium’s vibrant atmosphere, with packed stands and lively night sessions, creates a unique setting.
- Notable facts:
- Ivan Lendl holds the record with six titles and 57 wins.
- Rafael Nadal was the oldest champion at 33 in 2019.
- Michael Chang, at 18, was the youngest in 1990.
- No Canadian has won the tournament in the modern era.
Brazilian prospects
Beyond João Fonseca, other Brazilians like Thiago Wild could appear in Toronto, depending on rankings or further withdrawals. Wild’s recent win over a former top-9 player helped boost Fonseca’s ranking. Brazil hasn’t had a champion in the tournament since the amateur era, with Robert Bédard winning in 1958. Fonseca represents the country’s best hope to break this drought.
Local interest is high with Canadians Felix Auger-Aliassime and Denis Shapovalov in the field. Auger-Aliassime reached the 2022 quarterfinals, while Shapovalov made the 2017 semifinals. Gabriel Diallo, another rising Canadian, joins the draw after winning his first ATP title in 2025.
What to expect from the draw
Friday’s main draw will be pivotal for João Fonseca. As a non-seeded player, he could face a top opponent early, but withdrawals increase the odds of a more favorable matchup. The first round, set for Sunday or Monday, will be broadcast live on ESPN and streaming platforms, with special focus on newcomers like Fonseca.
Brazilian fans are eager, hoping Fonseca can match or surpass his Miami performance. With tennis giants absent, Toronto could be the stage for the young carioca to showcase his talent and gain crucial ranking points.
