João Fonseca falls in US Open second round after battle with Tomáš Macháč

João Fonseca, a 19-year-old Brazilian tennis player, was defeated by Czech Tomáš Macháč in the second round of the US Open 2025 in New York on Wednesday, August 27. The match, played on the Grandstand court, ended in straight sets with scores of 7/6(4), 6/3, and 6/2 in favor of the world number 22. Despite the loss, Fonseca showed grit, especially in the tightly contested first set decided by a tie-break, but couldn’t overcome Macháč’s solid and aggressive play. The match, which drew a passionate Brazilian crowd, marked the end of Fonseca’s run in the tournament’s main draw. Broadcast live on ESPN, SporTV 3, and Disney+, the game highlighted the enthusiastic support in the stands. The result prevented Fonseca from reaching the third round, a milestone he achieved at Roland Garros and Wimbledon earlier this year.

The match started evenly, with Fonseca opening with an ace and dominating the first service game. The Brazilian crowd, filling the stands, created a vibrant atmosphere, cheering Fonseca on every point. However, Macháč, with his solid defense and precise attacks, gained control, especially in the second and third sets, breaking Fonseca’s serve at critical moments.

• Fonseca’s performance: The Brazilian won 78 points, hit 9 aces, and had a 70% second-serve success rate.
• Macháč’s strength: The Czech scored 94 points, converted 3 of 6 break points, and had an 80% first-serve success rate.
• Crowd support: Brazilians turned the Grandstand into a cauldron, but it wasn’t enough to secure the win.

Tight battle in the first set

The first set was the most competitive, with both players holding serve confidently early on. Fonseca, known for his powerful forehand, started strong with an ace and briefly led 4/3 after capitalizing on a Macháč unforced error. However, the Czech responded with consistency, forcing a tie-break. In the tie-break, Macháč was more effective, closing the set 7/6(4) after 59 minutes. The Brazilian crowd tried to lift Fonseca, but he lost key points at critical moments. The set featured intense rallies and moments that energized the stands, showcasing Fonseca’s potential against a more experienced opponent.

Tomas Machac moves on to round 3️⃣

The No. 21 seed defeats Joao Fonseca 7-6(4), 6-2, 6-3. pic.twitter.com/4FrvjKANSB

— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) August 27, 2025

Macháč dominates the second set

In the second set, Macháč raised his game, blending solid defense with precise baseline attacks. Fonseca, coming off a strong win against Miomir Kecmanovic in the first round, struggled to maintain his rhythm. The Czech broke Fonseca’s serve early, taking a 2/0 lead. Despite attempts to fight back, Fonseca failed to convert his break points, losing the set 6/3. Macháč showed consistency with an 80% first-serve success rate, while Fonseca struggled with 59% of points won on his first serve. The Brazilian tried to rely on his forehand, but unforced errors began to mount. The crowd’s energy couldn’t shift the momentum as Macháč closed the set decisively.

Third set seals Czech victory

The third set was the easiest for Macháč, who capitalized on Fonseca’s fatigue to dominate. With two service breaks, the Czech sealed the set 6/2, securing the straight-sets victory. Fonseca, who had overcome physical discomfort in his first-round match against Kecmanovic, showed no signs of physical issues but couldn’t match Macháč’s intensity. The Czech, with 11 service games won and 3 break points converted, demonstrated why he’s a seeded player. The match ended with Macháč scoring 94 points to Fonseca’s 78, highlighting his edge in crucial moments.

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• Match stats: Macháč won 80% of first-serve points, compared to Fonseca’s 73%.
• Break points: The Czech converted 3 of 6 opportunities, while Fonseca missed all 4 chances.
• Service points: Macháč scored 69 points on serve, against Fonseca’s 54.
• Duration: The match lasted just over two hours, with the first set being the longest.

João Fonseca’s US Open journey

João Fonseca, currently ranked 45th in the ATP, had a promising start at the US Open 2025, defeating Serbia’s Miomir Kecmanovic in straight sets, 7/6(3), 7/6(5), and 6/3. Despite physical discomfort during that match, the Rio native showed resilience and solidified his rise in professional tennis. His campaign marked his first main-draw appearance at the US Open, following his 2023 junior title. Fonseca has notched wins in all Grand Slams this season, with third-round appearances at Roland Garros and Wimbledon. Against Macháč, he faced a more experienced opponent who neutralized his aggressive game.

Who is Tomáš Macháč

Tomáš Macháč, 24, is a rising Czech tennis star. Born in Beroun, the 1.83m player won his first ATP 500 title in Acapulco in March 2025 and reached the world’s top 20 the same month. Currently ranked 22nd, Macháč has notable wins over players like Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz. His gold medal in mixed doubles at the Paris 2024 Olympics, alongside former partner Katerina Siniakova, brought him significant attention. At the US Open, Macháč advanced to the second round after a dominant win over Italy’s Luca Nardi, 6/3, 6/1, and 6/1.

• Acapulco title: Macháč’s first ATP 500 trophy in 2025.
• Olympic gold: Won mixed doubles in Paris 2024 with Siniakova.
• Playing style: Solid defense paired with precise baseline attacks.
• Key wins: Defeated Djokovic (Geneva 2024) and Alcaraz (Shanghai 2024).

Brazilian crowd makes its mark

The Grandstand, the third-largest court at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, was electric with Brazilian support. Fans filled the stands, waving flags and chanting to cheer Fonseca on every point, creating a cauldron-like atmosphere. Despite their efforts, it wasn’t enough to push the Brazilian to victory. The crowd’s presence underscores Fonseca’s charisma, seen as Brazil’s top male tennis hope since Gustavo Kuerten. The fan support has been a constant this season, with notable scenes at Roland Garros, where fans crowded the press room to follow the young star.

Next steps at the US Open

With the win, Tomáš Macháč advances to the third round, where he’ll face either Jakub Mensik or Ugo Blanchet. For Fonseca, the loss ends his US Open campaign, but it doesn’t diminish his breakout 2025 season. The Brazilian, who won an ATP 250 in Buenos Aires and two Challengers (Canberra and Phoenix), has established himself as a global tennis prospect. His season includes wins over top-10 players like Andrey Rublev and third-round runs in two Grand Slams. At 19, Fonseca is the third Brazilian to reach the second round of all Majors in a season, following Kuerten (1999) and Bellucci (2010).

• Macháč’s next opponent: The Czech will face Mensik or Blanchet in the third round.
• Fonseca’s campaign: Wins in all 2025 Grand Slams, with highlights at Roland Garros and Wimbledon.
• Prize money: Fonseca earned $154,000 (R$834,000) for reaching the second round.
• Next challenges: The Brazilian will focus on ATP events to climb the rankings.

Fonseca’s legacy at 19

João Fonseca, coached by Guilherme Teixeira at Yes Tennis in Rio de Janeiro, has shown remarkable consistency in his first full professional season. His 2023 US Open junior title and 2025 Buenos Aires ATP 250 victory place him alongside young stars like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, whom he cites as inspirations. Fonseca surpassed a Rafael Nadal record, becoming the seventh-youngest player to reach the second round of all Grand Slams in a season. Despite the loss to Macháč, Fonseca’s powerful forehand and quick transitions signal a bright future in the sport.