Joao Fonseca stepped onto the court at Miami's LoanDepot Park on Monday night with the excitement of a teenager and the composure of a rising star and the youngest top-25 player.
The 19-year-old faced Carlos Alcaraz in an exhibition match and experienced a 7-5, 2-6, 10-8 defeat in an hour and 29 minutes after an entertaining battle that kept the crowd entertained.
Carlos claimed a tight opener before Joao stepped in and dominated set number two. The younger player gained a boost and led 5-0 in the match tie break before the Spaniard turned the tables and emerged at the top.
One of the best points from the Alcaraz-Fonseca match
[via @itau Instagram] https://t.co/MYrsKdREsk pic.twitter.com/aWkrVUHjpe
— Daily Alcaraz (@alcarazdaily) December 9, 2025
The encounter had the playful energy of an exhibition, but the intensity of players who refuse to lose and who gave everything to entertain the spectators. The Brazilian phenom left the court full of admiration for the world's best player.
Having trained with Carlos at Wimbledon earlier this year, Joao already knew the level required to compete with him. Now, sharing a packed stadium and pushing the Spaniard into deep waters was a new experience entirely.
A teenager spoke warmly about the challenge, the thrill of testing himself against the sport's benchmark and the gratitude he felt for having the opportunity to share the court with a player he deeply respects.
Joao Fonseca & Carlos Alcaraz, Miami 2025© Stream screenshot
If they both perform at their best in 2026, we should see them in action in the official tournament. For many, Fonseca should challenge Alcaraz and Sinner in the upcoming years, especially after a stellar ride in 2025.
From the Australian Open qualifier, the Brazilian came a long way and booked his place in the year-end top-25 company, lifting two ATP titles and preparing for more in the season ahead of us.
"Facing Carlos was tough. He has some skills on the court; the guy is really good. Honestly, it was a pleasure for me to play this match, and I'm very grateful to Carlos," Joao Fonseca said.
