Joao Fonseca secures Miami Open clash against top seed Carlos Alcaraz
Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca has set up a highly anticipated second-round match against top seed Carlos Alcaraz at the Miami Open after defeating Fabian Marozsan.
The 19-year-old took just under two hours to overcome his opponent 6-4 3-6 6-2 in front of a passionate crowd at Miami Gardens.
He now faces the ultimate test against the eight-time Masters champion in what will be their first ever meeting.
The South American prospect recently proved his pedigree by pushing Jannik Sinner to two tight tie-breaks during the fourth round at Indian Wells last month.
Fonseca relishes top-tier challenge
“Excited for sure,” Fonseca said when asked about facing the world’s best player.
“I don’t know about other players, but I look forward to playing against the top players.”
“It’s just a super experience, so I’m looking forward to it for sure and it’s going to be a great match.”
The Spanish top seed has a strong history at this venue, having won his maiden Masters 1000 tournament in Florida as an 18-year-old in 2022.
Record-breaking Kouame earns maiden win
Elsewhere in the draw, 17-year-old Moise Kouame secured his first ATP Tour victory by beating home hopeful Zachary Svajda 5-7 6-4 6-4.
The French youngster has become the youngest matchwinner in the history of the Miami tournament.
He is also the youngest player to win an ATP Masters 1000 match since Rafael Nadal achieved the feat back in 2003.
The historic achievement earned the teenager a congratulatory text message from his idol Novak Djokovic.
Djokovic praises rising French star
“I have a small secret… after the win, Novak texted me,” the nervous prodigy told the Tennis Channel.
“He texted me something like, ‘Big match today. Congrats. Hopefully you will go far’.”
“Imagine having your idol direct message you like this… it’s the coolest thing ever.”
The Serbian icon claimed his own first Masters 1000 victory in Paris three years before the rising star was even born.
The unranked Frenchman faces a severe step up in class during the next round when he meets 21st seed Jiri Lehecka.
