Alcaraz praises the rise of João Fonseca and projects an unprecedented duel on display in Miami By Thiago Lemos
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Carlos Alcaraz, number 1 in the world, praised this Tuesday (18) João Fonseca’s full debut season on the professional circuit. The Spaniard will face the 19-year-old Brazilian on December 8th, in an exhibition match valid for Miami Invitational, at LoanDepot Park, the stadium of the Miami Marlins baseball team. The event marks the first time the venue has hosted a professional tennis tournament.
The confrontation will be the main attraction of the night, which will also feature a duel between Amanda Anisimova and Jessica Pegula and a mixed doubles match. Alcaraz highlighted Fonseca’s jump from 113th to 24th in the ATP rankings in just one year.
During his press conference, Alcaraz said that, despite his current injury, he believes he will be recovered to face João Fonseca at Miami Invitational, on December 8th. Excited? pic.twitter.com/iMCQC0l3HX
— João Fonseca Updates (@fonsecaupdates) November 18, 2025
Praise for the Brazilian’s game
Alcaraz classified Fonseca as a special player during a virtual press conference for Brazilian, American and Spanish journalists. The Spaniard highlighted the power of the young carioca’s serve and right hand.
He compared the beginning of his own career to that of the Brazilian. The serve was the fundamental that required the most evolution when Alcaraz appeared on the circuit.
Impressive trajectory in 2025
João Fonseca ends the year as the third best Brazilian ranking in history, tied with Thomaz Bellucci. Apenas Gustavo Kuerten, former number 1, and Bellucci were ahead on the national list.
The Guilherme Teixeira pupil started 2025 outside the top 100. Entering the top 25 in the first full year represents a rare feat in current world tennis.
The Brazilian competed in challengers and ATP tournaments throughout the season. Os consistent results ensured rapid climb up the professional rankings.
Points to evolve according to Alcaraz
Alcaraz identified mobility as an aspect that Fonseca can still improve. The Spaniard believes that physical conditioning will receive attention in the coming months.
The evaluation considers the Brazilian’s aggressive style, which prioritizes powerful strikes. Melhor movement can balance the game in longer exchanges of the ball.
The ranking leader avoided definitive predictions about Fonseca’s future in the top 10. Ele highlighted the difficulty of maintaining a high level season after season.
Miami Invitational Programming
The event takes place on December 8th at LoanDepot Park, in Miami. The evening session begins at 7pm (local time) with Anisimova versus Pegula.
- Alcaraz x João Fonseca closes the singles schedule
- Mixed doubles between Alcaraz/Pegula and Fonseca/Anisimova ends the night in a super tiebreak of up to 10 points
A day earlier, Alcaraz competes in another exhibition against Frances Tiafoe in Newark, Nova Jersey.
Recovery for appointments
Alcaraz announced his withdrawal from the Copa Davis quarterfinals due to injury. The Spaniard lost the ATP Finals final to Jannik Sinner last Sunday.
He begins intensive treatment this week to be 100% ready for American screenings. The two-week period will be dedicated exclusively to physical recovery.
The No. 1 has won eight titles in 2025, including Roland Garros and US Open. The load of games motivated the decision to prioritize the pre-season.
