Novak Djokovic, a global tennis legend, surprised fans by revealing, with humor, his plan to coach young Brazilian João Fonseca after retiring. The statement came after Djokovic’s 3-0 victory over American Learner Tien in the US Open 2025 first round in New York on August 25. The comment, made during a lighthearted Q&A, highlights the rise of 19-year-old Fonseca, who debuts in the main draw against Serbian Miomir Kecmanovic. The interaction between the two players underscores the international attention Fonseca is receiving. Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, sees immense potential in Fonseca, already considered one of Brazil’s biggest tennis prospects since Gustavo Kuerten. Fonseca’s US Open debut on August 26 is set to be a milestone in his young career.
Djokovic’s remark came in a relaxed moment but carries weight given his experience, as he remains competitive at 38. He jokingly said coaching Fonseca would be “very expensive.” The Brazilian, meanwhile, has shone in 2025, with standout wins like against Andrey Rublev at the Australian Open and third-round appearances at Roland Garros and Wimbledon.
- João Fonseca’s key achievements in 2025:
- Victory over Andrey Rublev, then world number 9, at the Australian Open.
- Reached third round at Roland Garros and Wimbledon.
- Won the NextGen Finals in Saudi Arabia in December 2024.
- Currently ranked 44th in the ATP at age 19.
Fonseca’s US Open 2025 journey is highly anticipated, especially after his 2023 junior title win.
João Fonseca’s rising career
João Fonseca, born in Rio de Janeiro, is only 19 but has already amassed achievements that position him as Brazil’s top male tennis player. Coached by Guilherme Teixeira, whom he calls a “second father,” the carioca first gained attention in the junior circuit, winning the 2023 US Open. His 2025 professional transition was marked by consistent results, including the Rublev win and third-round runs in two Grand Slams. However, his US Open prep faced hurdles, with early exits in tournaments like the Toronto and Cincinnati Masters, adding pressure for a strong showing in New York.
The world number 44 faces Miomir Kecmanovic, ranked 45th, in his debut. The match, set for early afternoon on August 26, will be broadcast live on sportv3 and ge.globo. Experts, like former player André Ghem, see the matchup as balanced, noting Kecmanovic’s experience, with five wins in seven five-set Grand Slam matches.
Fonseca showed resilience in his debut, overcoming physical struggles, including discomfort in the third set, to win 3-0 with two tiebreaks. This performance reinforces his ability to handle pressure, a trait Djokovic has praised, noting Fonseca’s maturity for his age.
"My plan after I retire is to coach Fonseca. I'm going to be very expensive for him." 😅@DjokerNole, @CocoGauff and more play the question train! pic.twitter.com/mWJPZ7t5kT
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 25, 2025
Djokovic’s influence in global tennis
At 38, Novak Djokovic remains a tennis benchmark. With 24 Grand Slam titles, he’s chasing a 25th at the 2025 US Open, which would make him the all-time Major leader, surpassing Margaret Court. His first-round win over Learner Tien was flawless, keeping his perfect 19-0 debut record at the tournament.
Djokovic also boasts a strong record against American players, with 19 Grand Slam wins and just three losses to US players in Majors. His experience and versatility keep him a title contender, even against young stars like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, who dominate the current circuit.
- Djokovic’s US Open records:
- 19 wins in 19 tournament debuts.
- 75 Grand Slam wins, nearing Jimmy Connors’ US Open record (98 wins).
- 39 wins and three losses against Americans in Majors.
- 393 ATP tournament wins, a historic record.
His playful exchange with Fonseca shows Djokovic’s human side, as he often supports young talents. In April, he praised Fonseca’s potential, urging fans to be patient as the Brazilian develops without excessive pressure.
US Open 2025 expectations
The US Open 2025, held from August 24 to September 7, is the season’s final Grand Slam, featuring top global players. Besides Fonseca, Brazil is represented by Beatriz Haddad Maia, who faces Britain’s Sonay Kartal. Haddad, ranked 20th, aims to overcome a patchy season, including an early loss to Kartal at Indian Wells.
In the men’s draw, the title race is fierce. Jannik Sinner, world number 1 and 2024 champion, and Carlos Alcaraz, 2022 winner, are top favorites. Djokovic, however, remains a threat, leveraging his experience and adaptability on New York’s hard courts.
- Top men’s title contenders:
- Jannik Sinner: world number 1, 2024 champion.
- Carlos Alcaraz: world number 2, 2022 winner.
- Novak Djokovic: world number 7, four-time US Open champion.
- Ben Shelton: world number 6, American hope after Toronto title.
In the women’s draw, Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, and Coco Gauff lead the pack, with Haddad aiming to regain form. The tournament, held at the Billie Jean King complex, will be broadcast live on Disney+ and sportv3.
Fonseca’s impact on Brazilian tennis
João Fonseca’s emergence rekindles hopes for Brazilian tennis, which hasn’t seen a Grand Slam champion since Gustavo Kuerten’s 2001 Roland Garros win. Fonseca’s aggressive style and competitive mindset have won over fans and earned praise from legends like Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Alcaraz. His US Open participation, alongside events like the Stars of the Open with Juan Martín del Potro, boosts his global profile.
Despite comparisons to Guga, Fonseca is carving his own path. His NextGen Finals win and Grand Slam results suggest he could soon break into the top 20.
- Fun facts about João Fonseca:
- Loves sushi and considers the US Open his favorite tournament.
- Idolizes Rafael Nadal but also admires Djokovic.
- Plays bridge in his free time, showing a relaxed side.
- Turned 19 on August 21, during US Open preparations.
Fonseca’s preparation and challenges
Fonseca’s US Open debut is just the start of a long journey. His win over Kecmanovic showed grit, but his next opponent, Czech Tomas Machac, ranked 22nd, poses a tougher test. If he advances, Fonseca could face players like Taylor Fritz or even Djokovic in the quarterfinals, a matchup he dreams of before the Serbian retires.
The Brazilian has focused on improving his serve and consistency in long matches while handling the pressure of representing Brazil in a sport where the country seeks renewed prominence. His bond with coach Guilherme Teixeira, who has guided him since age 12, provides emotional and technical stability.
Bright future with support from legends
Djokovic’s playful comment about coaching Fonseca reflects his belief in the Brazilian’s potential. Known for mentoring young players, the Serbian sees Fonseca as capable of reaching the top. The remark, though lighthearted, could inspire Fonseca to aim higher in the professional circuit.
The 2025 US Open is a chance for Fonseca to cement his ranking and gain experience against the world’s best. With backing from legends like Djokovic and a passionate fanbase, the Brazilian has the tools to make history in global tennis.
