On Day Three of Wimbledon on Court 12, 18-year-old Brazilian João Fonseca defeated 24-year-old American Jenson Brooksby 6–4, 5–7, 6–2, 6–4 in one of the tournament’s most thrilling matches.
After a two-hour rain delay, the players finally emerged to a packed stadium. A lively group of Brazilian fans brought a football-style fervor, chanting “Jo-ão Fon-se-ca! Jo-ão Fon-se-ca!” in rhythmic waves that carried beyond the stands, turning a second-round match into something that felt much bigger.
Fonseca is the youngest player in this year’s men’s singles draw—but he played with the poise and presence of someone far more seasoned. The win made him the first Brazilian man to reach the third round at Wimbledon since Thomaz Bellucci in 2010, as well as the youngest man to reach the third round here since Bernard Tomic in 2011.
Brooksby was a tough opponent for the teenager and in fine form after finishing runner-up to Taylor Fritz at Eastbourne last week.
Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images
In the first set, Fonseca’s aggressive groundstrokes and explosive serve gave him control.
But Brooksby is crafty on grass, and he adjusted, changing the pace constantly, pulling Fonseca forward with drop shots, often with his unique two-handed backhand that adds slice and backspin.
In the third set, Fonseca struck back with authority. He swung freely with easy power, dictating from the baseline. He did, though, slip occasionally on the slick grass—this was just his fourth tour-level event on the surface.
In the fourth set, with the score 4–all after Brooksby broke, Fonseca responded with a break. He then saved three break points—he was down love-40—in a tense final game to close out the match.
Statistically and stylistically, Fonseca impressed. He has a beautiful game. His technique is so clean. He hit 51 winners, including an incredible backhand from near the back fence early in the fourth set.
After the match, Fonseca didn’t rush off. He stayed on court, signing autographs, posing for selfies, and sharing the moment with the fans who had backed him from the first point.
In his post-match press conference, Fonseca said: “I think it’s a thing to be proud of myself, for sure. It’s a great achievement. I’m very proud of myself, the way that I played today also.
“So yeah, it’s just an opportunity to be here, to play this amazing tournament. Now being in the third round is just amazing. So very happy the way that I’m developed in this surface, I’m evolving. So happy with it.”
Up next for the Brazilian is Nicolas Jarry of Chile. When asked what the atmosphere of that match will be like, Fonseca said: “I know Chile fans, they’re loud also. Yeah, the Brazilians are loud. It’s going to be nice.
“Nico is a nice person and also a nice player. He has a very good serve. He’s playing good on grass. I mean, just going to be a new experience, very nice.
“Actually, I’m third round, so I’m just going to enjoy, play my best tennis, and hopefully I can go to the fourth.”