Joao Fonseca's rapid rise is no longer just a talking point among fans and analysts.
David Nalbandian has singled out the young gun as a player with tools, mindset and timing to achieve something special.
Brazilian brilliance 🇧🇷
The moment Joao Fonseca claimed the biggest title of his career as he defeats Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 6-3 6-4 🏆#SwissIndoorsBasel pic.twitter.com/am0FLhreCy
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) October 26, 2025
Fonseca's results have made him a future star and South America's biggest prodigy since Juan Martin de Potro. The young gun claimed two ATP titles in 2025 and passed over 100 rankings on the ATP rankings list.
He is the youngest player in the year-end top-25, with desire to achieve much more in 2026, his first completely on the top-tier level. Joao has shown a level of maturity and competitiveness that suggests his ceiling remains far from reached.
For Nalbandian, once the most notable South American player himself, that combination of early success and raw potential is the clearest indicator of a future contender.
Joao Fonseca, Basel 2025© Stream screenshot
Fonseca would love to break the top-15 in 2026, but many project his position much higher. David admitted that Joao's forehand is better than his, praising his qualities and upcoming improvements.
His solid foundation is based on that weapon. On the other hand, the other elements of his game are also well balanced, although they need work to challenge the rivals from the top, which is normal when someone is 19.
Beyond individual promise, Joao's emergence carries wider significance. South America has long awaited the next generation capable of consistently challenging at the top level.
Fonseca's success offers inspiration well beyond his results. It signals that the region can once again produce players ready to chase notable trophies.
With youth on his side and a game built for the modern Tour, the Brazilian appears positioned to follow a promising path and help redefine expectations for South American tennis in the future.
Joao Fonseca, US Open 2025© Stream screenshot
What Joao did in 2025 was nothing short of spectacular. He opened the season with the Challenger title before qualifying for the Australian Open and stunning Andrey Rublev in the first round.
The young gun claimed his first ATP title in February in Buenos Aires. He scored at least one win at all four Majors, gathering experience and closing the season with another ATP trophy in Basel.
"Joao is an excellent player. He is still very young, and I think he has already accomplished a lot. He has a lot of potential and can achieve great things, without a doubt, because of his youth and talent.
It's fantastic, not only for Brazilian tennis, but also for South American tennis. I hope that many other young players can emulate him and be inspired by him. Today, they hit the ball a bit harder, they hit it harder in general.
I think Joao has a better forehand than me. His backhand, maybe not as much. And he serves very well. So I think he has a lot of qualities to continue improving," David Nalbandian said.
