"First really big superstar since Guga Kuerten": Novak Djokovic has high praise for rising star Joao Fonseca

Novak Djokovic has heaped high praise on rising star Joao Fonseca after he continued his growth with his first win at Indian Wells overnight.

Fonseca has seen off one Brit in the form of Jacob Fearnley who he defeated 6-2, 1-6, 6-3 and will next face off against Jack Draper in the second round. Djokovic believes he could yet be the next Gaga Kuerten and carry the candle for Brazilian tennis.

“A little bit. It comes in flashes, but yeah, it does feel great, you know, when you're that young and playing in a high level, not much to lose, a lot to gain. Of course attention from the people, support, you know, builds up and it all adds to a great evolution of the player and the personality eventually will come to the point where it's going to convert into pressure and expectations from himself, from the others, and so forth," said Djokovic.

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"He seems to be handling it all very well. I mean, I don't know him personally so well, but from what I have seen on the court, not only the way he plays but the way he behaves, and people around him, seems like there is a very good level of balance and professionalism and devotion, like what we have seen for the last couple years with Alcaraz.

"He has the potential to be really a superstar of this game. No doubt about it. Coming from Brazil also, one of the biggest countries in the world, where they love tennis, love sports, very passionate people.

"It would be amazing for also our sport to have a Brazilian superstar, first really big superstar since Gustavo ‘Guga’ Kuerten, that was an idol for so many kids, incredible guy and big champion. Yeah, I wish him all the best.”

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