"I just love how he plays the big points": Novak Djokovic admits being 'big fan' of young Joao Fonseca

Former world number one Serbia’s Novak Djokovic has reveled that he is a ‘big fan’ of Brazil’s young sensation Joao Fonseca. The 18-year-old is already regarded as one for the future and has showcased his talent in the ongoing Australian Open.

Fonseca caused the biggest upset in the first round of the first Grand Slam of 2025 in the men’s singles category as he defeated world number nine Russia’s Andrey Rublev in straight sets with a score of 7-6, 6-3, 7-6 on Tuesday. During the match, the Rio de Janeiro-born, who came into the competition after winning the ATP Next Gen in Saudi Arabia, time and again showcased his superiority against one of the big-name players in men’s tennis, especially with his powerful forehand.

Former world number one Djokovic, who is regarded as the greatest player in the history of men’s tennis in the singles category, having won as many as 24 Grand Slam titles, has been recently quoted in a report stating that he is a ‘big fan’ of young Fonseca. The Belgrade-born star, who is also taking part in the Australian Open and has cemented his spot in the third round, stated that he sees a bit of himself in the 18-year-old, which makes him even more excited.

“I just met him first time, like, literally five minutes before I came into the room,” he said. “I congratulated him not only on the win last night that I've seen, the last set l've seen, but also everything he has been doing the last six to 12 months. I've been following his rise, and I just love how he plays the big points. Courageous, very clean hitter, all-around player. Brazil is a huge country. Super important for our sport to have a very good player coming from Brazil. I think they haven't had a player maybe of that caliber since Guga Kuerten. It's exciting times for Brazil, but also for the whole tennis world 'cause such a young player and person to be able to play so good on a big stage is impressive. I've been a fan of his game. I've been watching him also last year. I think in one of my interviews for ATP I was saying I see some of my game there in his game, particularly when I was his age when you're kind of carelessly going for the shots, just showing what you're capable of. I mean, he's got the goods definitely. He showed that last night on a big stage to go very far. Future is bright for him, no doubt, if he keeps going this way.”