Joao Fonseca further outlined his credentials as one of the Tour’s brightest prospects on Saturday at the Miami Open presented by Itau.
The 18-year-old Brazilian delivered a five-star display to defeat 19th seed Ugo Humbert 6-4, 6-3 and reach the third round at an ATP Masters 1000 for the first time in his fledgling career. Fonseca is the youngest player to achieve that feat since Carlos Alcaraz in Paris in 2021.
“When the crowd is with any player, they are more hyped,” said Fonseca. “I started the match today super relaxed, with no nerves. That was good, I served well. I had a quick break, he was maybe a little bit more nervous in the beginning, but I started well and that’s what made the difference.
“Against lefties, they like the crosscourts with their forehand. My backhand today was pretty good and I had the chance to play more aggressively with my forehand. I didn’t let him have opportunities on my serve [either].”
Fonseca has enjoyed a rapid rise at the start of the 2025 season. The reigning Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF champion claimed his maiden tour-level title in Buenos Aires in February and is now up to a new career-high No. 58 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings.
Alex de Minaur awaits in the Miami third round after his 6-4, 6-4 victory against Buyunchaokete on Saturday night. The 10th-seeded Aussie lost just four point on first serve (28/32) did not face a break point in his Miami opener.
Now 15-1 against players outside the Top 30 this season, De Minaur is bidding to improve upon his fourth-round Miami run last year — his best result in five previous appearances at the ATP Masters 1000.
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