João Fonseca, Brazil’s rising tennis star, celebrates his 19th birthday on Thursday, August 21, 2025, with a special appearance at the “Stars of the Open” exhibition event at the US Open complex in New York. Partnering with Argentine legend Juan Martín del Potro, the 2009 US Open champion, Fonseca faces Americans Andy Roddick, former world number 1, and Alex Michelsen, currently ranked 30th by the ATP. The match, part of the US Open Fan Week, starts around 9:00 PM (Brasília time) and will be broadcast live on ESPN2, Disney+, and SporTV3. The event brings together tennis legends and emerging talents, setting the stage for the final Grand Slam of the year, running from August 24 to September 7. Fonseca’s participation in the Arthur Ashe Stadium highlights his rapid rise in the global tennis scene as he gears up for his main draw debut.
The exhibition offers a unique chance for Fonseca, turning 19 on the same day, to showcase his skills on a global stage. Currently ranked 44th in the ATP, Fonseca has had a stellar 2025, with highlights including the ATP 250 title in Buenos Aires and victories in Challenger tournaments. Facing Roddick and Michelsen will test his talent and charisma, especially as the second match of the night, following Coco Gauff and Andre Agassi against Venus Williams and John McEnroe. The Fan Week, a prelude to the main tournament, draws thousands with open practices and player interactions.
- Event highlights: Stars of the Open blends retired pros and active players for a captivating spectacle.
- Fonseca’s significance: The match is a warm-up for the US Open and boosts his global visibility.
- Fan support: New York’s Brazilian community is expected to cheer loudly for Fonseca.
- Accessible broadcast: ESPN2 and Disney+ ensure wide coverage for Brazilian fans.
Full Stars of the Open schedule
The “Stars of the Open” is a highlight of the US Open Fan Week, delivering an evening of exhibition doubles at the Arthur Ashe Stadium. Kicking off at 8:00 PM (Brasília time), the event features four unique matches, each with its own storyline. The broadcast, with commentary by Fernando Nardini and Fernando Meligeni for Brazilian audiences, includes pre-game interviews and analysis. Special guests like soccer star Alex Morgan and DJ Mustard add entertainment flair beyond the courts.
The opening match pits Coco Gauff, 2023 US Open champion, and Andre Agassi, an eight-time Grand Slam winner, against Venus Williams, a seven-time Slam champion, and John McEnroe, a four-time US Open winner. After Fonseca and Del Potro’s clash, Gaël Monfils and Elina Svitolina take on Italians Flavia Pennetta and Flavio Cobolli. The night wraps with an inclusive match featuring Dana Mathewson and Jack Sock against Bethanie Mattek-Sands and Casey Ratzlaff, spotlighting wheelchair tennis players.
- Match 1: Coco Gauff and Andre Agassi x Venus Williams and John McEnroe – a star-studded American clash.
- Match 2: João Fonseca and Juan Martín del Potro x Andy Roddick and Alex Michelsen – youth vs. experience.
- Match 3: Gaël Monfils and Elina Svitolina x Flavia Pennetta and Flavio Cobolli – charisma meets skill.
- Match 4: Dana Mathewson and Jack Sock x Bethanie Mattek-Sands and Casey Ratzlaff – celebrating inclusion.
Where to watch live and broadcast details
The Fonseca and Del Potro vs. Roddick and Michelsen match will be broadcast live in Brazil on ESPN2, Disney+, and SporTV3, starting at 9:00 PM (Brasília time). The coverage includes pre-match analysis and player insights, with expert commentary adding depth to the event’s significance. For online viewers, Disney+ Premium offers high-quality streaming, while Tennis TV provides access for international subscribers. The broadcast allows Brazilian fans to closely follow Fonseca’s performance, known for his aggressive style and charm.
ESPN2 and SporTV3 are available on cable TV packages, while Disney+ Premium starts at R$ 33.90 monthly. For those in New York, tickets for the event are sold via the US Open’s official website, starting at US$ 30, with proceeds supporting the USTA Foundation’s youth tennis programs. Weather in New York on August 21 is expected to be clear, with temperatures around 22°C, perfect for an outdoor event at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
- TV channels: ESPN2 and SporTV3, starting at 8:00 PM (Brasília time).
- Streaming: Disney+ Premium and Tennis TV, with monthly subscription options.
- Tickets: Available on the US Open website, starting at US$ 30.
- Weather forecast: Clear skies, mild temperatures, no rain expected.
João Fonseca’s 2025 journey
João Fonseca enters the “Stars of the Open” on a high note. At 19, the Rio native is Brazil’s top-ranked player and 44th in the ATP, his career-best. In 2025, he clinched the ATP 250 in Buenos Aires, becoming the youngest Brazilian to win at this level in the Open Era. He also secured Challenger titles in Canberra and Phoenix and reached the third round at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, matching his best Grand Slam results. His upset over Andrey Rublev, then world number 9, at the Australian Open 2025, marked a turning point, showcasing his ability to compete with elites.
Known for his powerful forehand and aggressive play, Fonseca thrives on fast courts like those at the US Open. Coached by Guilherme Teixeira at Yes Tennis in Rio, he’s earned praise from legends like Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, and Andy Roddick, who lauded his ability to “hit all four corners with speed.” His selection for the Laver Cup and sponsorship by Roger Federer’s ON brand underscore his growing prominence.
- Buenos Aires title: First ATP 250 won by a Brazilian so young.
- Rublev upset: First top-10 win at Australian Open 2025.
- Challenger success: Titles in Canberra and Phoenix solidify his rise.
- Legendary praise: Djokovic, Alcaraz, and Roddick highlight his potential.
Head-to-head and on-court dynamics
Though an exhibition, the Fonseca-Michelsen matchup adds a competitive edge. In 2024, Fonseca defeated Michelsen in straight sets at the Madrid Masters 1000, his first win at that level. Michelsen, now 30th in the world, seeks redemption on home soil with American fans behind him. Facing Roddick, a 2003 US Open champion, is more symbolic but challenging, as the American’s powerful serve remains sharp in exhibitions and he’s expressed admiration for Fonseca’s game.
Fonseca and Del Potro, who teamed up at a Rio Open exhibition in 2025, bring synergy to the court. Del Potro’s experience and charisma complement Fonseca’s aggressive style. The match promises intense rallies, especially between Fonseca and Michelsen, whose similar playing styles ensure competitive exchanges. Roddick’s showmanship and Del Potro’s powerful baseline game will add flair for the crowd.
- Fonseca vs. Michelsen: Straight-set win for Fonseca in Madrid 2024.
- Fonseca and Del Potro: Strong chemistry from Rio Open 2025 exhibition.
- Roddick: 2003 US Open champ, known for booming serves and fan engagement.
- Michelsen: Rising American star, ranked 30th globally.
Fun facts about the event and players
The “Stars of the Open” is more than a US Open warm-up; it’s a celebration of tennis across generations. Fonseca’s 19th birthday aligns with the event, potentially earning him special tributes from organizers or fans. The Arthur Ashe Stadium, hosting the matches, is the world’s largest tennis venue, seating 23,000. Fan Week, including this event, offers free access to practices and activities, drawing crowds to Flushing Meadows.
Hailing from Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro, Fonseca started tennis at age four and won the 2023 US Open junior title. Del Potro, his partner, is an Argentine icon with 22 ATP titles and a key role in the 2016 Davis Cup victory. Roddick remains a US tennis legend, while Michelsen represents America’s next generation, with top-20 potential.
- Fonseca’s birthday: Turning 19 on match day, a unique milestone.
- Arthur Ashe Stadium: World’s largest tennis venue, with 23,000 seats.
- Del Potro: 2009 US Open champ with 22 career titles.
- Roddick: Former world number 1, now a popular tennis podcaster.
