After two defeats at the start of the season, there's nothing like being at home, in a totally favorable atmosphere, to get back to winning, regain confidence and unleash his aggressive game. João Fonseca is using the Rio Open, presented by Claro, to rediscover his best form. So far, it has worked.
The world number 33 and third seed in the tournament, he debuted with a victory on Monday in the main doubles draw alongside Marcelo Melo and, a day later, also won his first match in the main singles draw in an all-Brazilian duel against Thiago Monteiro (7/6(1), 6/1).
“I’m feeling good. It’s a very special tournament, alongside family and friends, where I have a great history, with everyone here cheering for me. Today I managed to go to the court with a very good mentality and confidence. I think the crowd helped me a lot and I’m very happy to be back winning here after two years. Let’s see if this time we can get past the quarterfinals,” Fonseca projects.
The Brazilian managed to overcome the most difficult moment of the match against Monteiro, playing well in the first set tie-break and winning 7-1 without giving his opponent any chances.
“It was a very difficult game, with a very tense start. We both managed to have good service, not leaving opportunities for the other. And I think in the tie-break I managed to raise my level, I managed to play my game confidently and aggressively.”
In the second set, Fonseca won more easily and delivered what, for many fans, was the most beautiful point of the tournament so far, defending very well and closing with a forehand winner. The crowd erupted at the Guga Kuerten Court.
“It was an important point for me to get a second break in the second set. I managed to make it 15-30 and it gave me more energy. He set up the smash, but I hit the right side and he was a little surprised. I was also a bit lucky,” said Fonseca, with a dose of humility.
Fonseca will face Peruvian Ignacio Buse, an old friend, this Thursday.
“We’ve been together since I was 14 years old and he was 16. We always met at tournaments. He’s a hard-working guy who just entered the top 100. I know he likes to play on clay and he’ll be the underdog in the match, without any pressure, but I’m confident,” concluded Fonseca.
The world number 33 and third seed in the tournament, he debuted with a victory on Monday in the main doubles draw alongside Marcelo Melo and, a day later, also won his first match in the main singles draw in an all-Brazilian duel against Thiago Monteiro (7/6(1), 6/1).
“I’m feeling good. It’s a very special tournament, alongside family and friends, where I have a great history, with everyone here cheering for me. Today I managed to go to the court with a very good mentality and confidence. I think the crowd helped me a lot and I’m very happy to be back winning here after two years. Let’s see if this time we can get past the quarterfinals,” Fonseca projects.
The Brazilian managed to overcome the most difficult moment of the match against Monteiro, playing well in the first set tie-break and winning 7-1 without giving his opponent any chances.
“It was a very difficult game, with a very tense start. We both managed to have good service, not leaving opportunities for the other. And I think in the tie-break I managed to raise my level, I managed to play my game confidently and aggressively.”
In the second set, Fonseca won more easily and delivered what, for many fans, was the most beautiful point of the tournament so far, defending very well and closing with a forehand winner. The crowd erupted at the Guga Kuerten Court.
“It was an important point for me to get a second break in the second set. I managed to make it 15-30 and it gave me more energy. He set up the smash, but I hit the right side and he was a little surprised. I was also a bit lucky,” said Fonseca, with a dose of humility.
Fonseca will face Peruvian Ignacio Buse, an old friend, this Thursday.
“We’ve been together since I was 14 years old and he was 16. We always met at tournaments. He’s a hard-working guy who just entered the top 100. I know he likes to play on clay and he’ll be the underdog in the match, without any pressure, but I’m confident,” concluded Fonseca.
