The Confederação Brasileira of Tênis (CBT) released the squad list for the clash against the The main missing name is João Fonseca, current number 1 in Brasil and 29th in the ATP rankings, who is recovering from an injury to the lower back. The absence of the 19-year-old young man from Rio attracts attention, as he would be the team’s natural leader in singles.
Captain Jaime Oncins opted for a formation balanced between youth and experience. The players called for the singles matches are João Lucas Reis, Gustavo Heide and Matheus Pucinelli, while the doubles will be formed by Marcelo Melo and Fernando Romboli. Essa composition reflects the current situation of athletes on the professional circuit.
João Fonseca had started preparing for the 2026 season, but felt lower back pain during training in Brisbane. Exames doctors indicated that the problem is not serious, and the expectation is to return to the courts at the ATP 250 in Adelaide, starting on January 12th.
Brasil is already defined for the confrontation against Canadá, valid for Qualifiers of Copa Davis, which takes place on the 6th and 7th of February, at Vancouver, away from home.
— CBT (@cbtenis)January 5, 2026
They were summoned:
John Lucas Reis
Gustavo
Matheus Pucinelli
Fernando Romboli
Marcelopic.twitter.com/3JQZa6bHq8
Called up for the clash
The Brazilian team has important debuts at Copa Davis. João Lucas Reis, positioned in 204th place in the ranking, receives his first call-up after a consistent second semester in 2025.
- João Lucas Reis (204th in the world) – debut in the competition.
- Gustavo Heide (239th) – returns after overcoming recent injuries.
- Matheus Pucinelli (298th) – recurring presence in convocations.
Fernando Essa partnership seeks balance in the doubles game against the Canadians.
Details of the clash against Canadá
The duel takes place on an indoor hard court, a surface chosen by the hosts in Vancouver. Brasil and Canadá have already faced each other six times in the history of Copa Davis, with the Brazilian advantage of four victories against two.
The winner advances to the final stage of the competition in 2026, while the loser ends early participation. Canadá also arrives missing, without its main names like Felix Auger-Aliassime and Denis Shapovalov, which balances the forces on the court.
The series follows the traditional format of qualifiers, with four singles matches and one doubles match.
Recovery and planning for João Fonseca
João
The lower back injury occurred during the pre-season, leading to his withdrawal from the Australian ATP 250. The tennis player’s team prioritizes complete recovery to avoid worsening, focusing on Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the year from January 18th.
Fonseca ended 2025 in the top 30, which imposes obligations on the ATP calendar, including eight Masters 1000 and five ATP 500.
Recent history of the Brazilian team
The Brasil maintains its presence in the Copa Davis qualifiers for the third consecutive season since returning to the elite in 2024. The current call-up highlights rising athletes on the Challenger and ATP circuit.
Jaime Oncins emphasized the confidence in the assembled group. Reis and Romboli bring freshness, while Melo offers experience in international clashes.
The team’s preparation will take place over the next few weeks, with a focus on adapting to the Canadian indoor hard court.
Initial calendar of the season in Brazilian tennis
After the qualifiers, Brazilian tennis players move on to the South American clay tour. Eventos as the ATP 250 of Buenos Aires and the Rio Open mark the return to the continent.
João Essa sequence requires rapid transition of surfaces, which influenced timing decisions.
Others called up, such as Heide and Pucinelli, seek points in initial tournaments to improve positions in the rankings.
Structure of Copa Davis in 2026
The qualifiers bring together 27 teams looking for places in the final phase. The format includes direct clashes in February, with the winners advancing to the main group.
Brasil seeks to maintain the dream of the world title between nations. Men’s team competition requires a balance between singles and doubles to overcome opponents.
Vancouver hosts the duel on a fast indoor surface, favoring aggressive games and powerful serves.
The absence of leaders on both sides makes the confrontation unpredictable. The Brazilian team is betting on collective consistency to overcome Canadá away from home.
