Brazil’s Joao Fonseca made history at the Next Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah, defeating American Learner Tien 2-4, 4-3(8), 4-0, 4-2 to claim the prestigious title. The 18-year-old’s victory capped off a perfect week at the 20-and-under event, making him the first Brazilian to win the tournament and the second-youngest champion after current World No. 1 Jannik Sinner.
The championship match marked the third career meeting between Fonseca, seeded eighth, and fifth-seeded Tien. Fonseca had already secured a four-set win over Tien in the group stage. However, the final presented new challenges as Fonseca lost the opening set 4-2.
Undeterred, Fonseca fought back fiercely. He held his nerve in a tense second-set tiebreak, edging out Tien 10-8. Building on this momentum, the South American teenager dominated the third set, winning 4-0 without dropping a point on his serve. Fonseca continued his aggressive play into the fourth set, eventually sealing the match 4-2.
‘I wasn’t playing my best at the start. I was too nervous,’ Fonseca admitted after the match. ‘But after I won the second set, then the third, I think things started to change. I became more aggressive with my shots, and I think he became more restricted. It’s part of the game. In the fourth set, I just gave it my all and got the win.’
Reflecting on his historic achievement, Fonseca added, ‘Well, I need to believe in myself when I go into a tournament. I mean, you need to believe every time, but this is just unreal. Actually, now I’m just… wow, I just made it. I’m so proud of myself.’
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18-year-old Fonseca becomes first Brazilian to win Next Gen ATP title
cgtn.com
