João Fonseca loses 1st set to Machac at US Open, battles on in 2nd in New York

João Fonseca, a 19-year-old Brazilian tennis player, faces a tough challenge against Czech Tomas Machac, ranked world number 22, in the second round of the US Open 2025 in New York. The match, played at the Grandstand court of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, began at 12:30 PM (Brasília time) on Wednesday, August 27. After losing the first set 6-7 in a hard-fought tie-break, Fonseca is pushing back in the second set, which stands at 0-2 in Machac’s favor. The match, broadcast live on ESPN, SporTV 3, and Disney+, draws significant attention from Brazilian fans filling the stands with vibrant support. The ongoing match is a critical test for the Rio native, aiming to reach the third round of a Grand Slam for the third time this season.

This marks the first official meeting between Fonseca and Machac on the ATP professional circuit. The Brazilian, currently ranked 45th, comes off a solid first-round win against Serbia’s Miomir Kecmanovic, prevailing in three sets despite physical struggles in the final set. Meanwhile, Machac, 24, arrives confident after a dominant victory over Italy’s Luca Nardi, with scores of 6/3, 6/1, and 6/1. The Brazilian crowd, known for its energy, transforms the Grandstand into a cauldron, chanting with every point Fonseca wins.

• Fonseca’s recent performance: Won all first-round matches in 2025 Grand Slams, including Roland Garros and Wimbledon.
• Machac’s playing style: Combines solid defense with precise attacks, excelling on hard courts.
• Crowd support: Brazilian fans create a lively atmosphere, boosting the young player.

Key moments timeline

The match between João Fonseca and Tomas Machac has been marked by high-intensity moments, with competitive points and plays that energize the crowd. Below are the key moments of the match so far, based on real-time updates:

• 1st set, game 1 (59 minutes ago): João Fonseca opens with an ace, dominating his serve and preventing Machac from scoring, securing the first game with authority.
• 1st set, game 7 (40 minutes ago): Fueled by the crowd, Fonseca dominates the game with an unforced error from Machac, taking a temporary 4-3 lead.
• 1st set, tie-break (16 minutes ago): Fonseca hits a beautiful crosscourt left-handed shot, earning applause, but sends a ball out, trailing 2-4 in the tie-break.
• 1st set, tie-break (11 minutes ago): Machac closes the set with a smash, winning the tie-break 7-4 as Fonseca fights to stay in the game.
• 2nd set, game 2 (2 minutes ago): João saves two break points with an ace and a Machac error but loses the break after netting a ball, allowing Machac to lead 2-0.

First set highlights

The first set was a balanced battle, with both players showing consistency in their serves and intense exchanges. Fonseca started strong, opening the score with an ace and maintaining pressure with his aggressive forehand. However, Machac responded with solid defense and precise parallels, quickly leveling the game. The set went to a tie-break after both players held their serves without significant breaks. In the tie-break, Fonseca shone with a crosscourt left-handed shot but faltered with key errors, like a floating volley that went long, allowing Machac to take the lead. The Czech sealed the set with a smash, capitalizing on a Fonseca return error, finishing 7-6 (7-4).

The Brazilian crowd, present in large numbers, played a crucial role, cheering every Fonseca point and creating a supportive atmosphere that kept him competitive under pressure. The young Rio native showed resilience, especially in saving key points with powerful serves, but will need to adjust his strategy to counter Machac’s defensive game in the second set.

Second set challenges

In the second set, Machac maintained his aggressive pace, easily winning the first game after Fonseca’s errors. The Brazilian struggled in the second game, saving two break points with an ace and forcing an opponent error but ultimately conceding the break after netting a ball. The 0-2 scoreline in the second set puts Fonseca in a challenging position, requiring greater precision to reverse the deficit. The crowd continues to rally, with chants echoing through the Grandstand, as Fonseca tries to regain control with his offensive style.

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• Break of serve: Machac capitalized on Fonseca’s errors to lead the second set.
• João’s resilience: The Brazilian saved break points with powerful serves.
• Crowd energy: Brazilian support keeps Fonseca motivated despite the deficit.

Fonseca’s US Open journey

At just 19, João Fonseca is in his first full professional season and already stands out as Brazil’s top male tennis hope. His US Open 2025 debut featured a convincing win over Miomir Kecmanovic, overcoming physical issues to advance. The Rio native, who won the US Open junior title in 2023, has shown consistency in Grand Slams, reaching the third round at Roland Garros and Wimbledon this year. Beating Machac would be a milestone, matching Thomaz Bellucci’s feat as the last Brazilian to reach the third round in 2015.

Trained by Guilherme Teixeira at Yes Tennis in Rio de Janeiro, Fonseca relies on his powerful forehand and quick transitions to dominate points. His US Open preparation included intense training with players like Taylor Fritz and Alex De Minaur, focusing on serves and movement on hard courts. Despite the first-set loss, the Brazilian remains confident, backed by the crowd and his experience defeating higher-ranked players like Andrey Rublev at the Australian Open 2025.

Machac’s strength on hard courts

Tomas Machac, Fonseca’s opponent, is a rising star in the circuit. At 24, the Czech won his first ATP 500 title in Acapulco in March 2025 and a mixed doubles gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics alongside Katerina Siniakova. His dominant first-round win over Luca Nardi showcases his ability to impose a solid game on hard courts, with consistent defense and precise attacks. Machac has faced big names like Novak Djokovic and Casper Ruud, making him a formidable opponent.

• Acapulco title: Machac’s first ATP 500 trophy in 2025.
• Olympic gold: Won mixed doubles in Paris 2024 with Siniakova.
• Playing style: Blends solid defense with accurate baseline attacks.

Expectations for the rest of the match

The Fonseca-Machac match remains close, with the Czech leading 2-0 in the second set. The Brazilian needs to maintain aggression and reduce unforced errors to mount a comeback. The vibrant Brazilian crowd at the Grandstand continues to be a factor, cheering Fonseca on every point. The ongoing match promises more tense moments, with the Rio native aiming to level the score and keep his third-round hopes alive.

Fonseca has shown the ability to recover in tough moments, as seen in his debut against Kecmanovic, where he overcame physical discomfort to win. However, Machac’s hard-court experience demands that the Brazilian refine his game, focusing on consistent serves and well-constructed attacks. The crowd’s support and the Grandstand’s energy could be decisive in pushing Fonseca to reverse the second-set deficit.

Importance of the match for Fonseca

The clash with Machac is a critical test for João Fonseca to solidify his rise in the professional circuit. A win would place him in the third round of the US Open, boosting his chances of breaking into the ATP top 40, a stated goal for 2025. Additionally, the match offers a chance to showcase his growth against experienced opponents like Machac, who has defeated top players. Fonseca, who began playing tennis at four at the Rio de Janeiro Country Club, carries the hope of reviving Brazil’s tennis glory days since Gustavo Kuerten’s era.

• ATP ranking: A win could propel Fonseca to the top 40.
• Brazilian milestone: Would match Thomaz Bellucci’s 2015 achievement.
• Crowd as a factor: Brazilian support creates a favorable atmosphere at the Grandstand.