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24 Apr 2025, Thu

João Fonseca shines in Madrid Open debut, faces world No. 12 Tommy Paul in second round

João Fonseca


João Fonseca, the 18-year-old Brazilian tennis sensation, made a triumphant return to competitive play at the Madrid Open 2025. Ranked 65th in the ATP world rankings, Fonseca took on Denmark’s Elmer Moller, world No. 114, in the first round of the Masters 1000 event held on the clay courts of Spain. In a match lasting just over 1 hour and 30 minutes, the Brazilian displayed poise and dominance, securing a straight-sets victory with a scoreline of 6/2, 6/3. This win propelled him into the second round, where he will face a formidable challenge against American Tommy Paul, currently ranked 12th globally. The Madrid Open, a key stop on the ATP tour, runs until May 4 and serves as a critical warm-up for Roland Garros.

After a month-long hiatus from official tournaments, Fonseca returned with renewed vigor. His last competitive outing was at the Miami Masters 1000 in March, where he fell in the third round to Australia’s Alex de Minaur. During the break, Fonseca honed his skills in Rio de Janeiro, focusing on adapting to clay, the dominant surface in the European tennis season. His commanding performance against Moller underscores his growing prowess and cements his status as one of tennis’s brightest young stars.

The Madrid Open, hosted at the Caja Mágica, is renowned for its high-altitude conditions, which affect ball speed and demand technical adjustments from players. Fonseca, who trained in similar environments, demonstrated both physical and mental readiness for the challenge. His convincing win over Moller, a qualifier, signals that the Brazilian is prepared for tougher battles in the tournament’s later stages.

Breaking down Fonseca’s victory over Moller

The first-round clash against Elmer Moller was a showcase of João Fonseca’s control and precision. Winning the coin toss, Fonseca elected to receive, a tactical choice that allowed him to pressure Moller’s serve early. Although the Dane held his opening service game, Fonseca quickly leveled the score. In the third game, the Brazilian capitalized on a Moller error—a shot sent out of bounds—to secure the first break, setting the tone for the set.

The first set saw Fonseca navigate pockets of resistance from Moller but maintain his lead. After building a 4/2 advantage, he squandered two chances to widen the gap due to unforced errors. However, his powerful serve and accurate groundstrokes prevailed, closing the set at 6/2. The second set followed a similar pattern, with Fonseca breaking Moller’s serve at a pivotal moment and sealing the match with a 6/3 score, leaving little room for a comeback.

  • Fonseca’s strengths: The Brazilian excelled with a 68% first-serve success rate and won 42% of points on Moller’s serve, showcasing his aggressive return game.
  • Moller’s struggles: The Dane committed 24 unforced errors compared to Fonseca’s 15, a disparity that eased the Brazilian’s path to victory.
  • Match duration: The contest wrapped up in 1 hour and 28 minutes, reflecting Fonseca’s ability to dictate the pace.

The road to the first round

Elmer Moller earned his spot in the Madrid Open main draw through the qualifying rounds. The 114th-ranked Dane, who achieved his career-best ranking, defeated American Nishesh Basavareddy in straight sets and Poland’s Kamil Majchrzak in a three-set battle. Despite his qualifying success, Moller couldn’t match Fonseca’s intensity, particularly in longer rallies where the Brazilian’s consistency shone.

Fonseca, by contrast, entered the main draw directly thanks to his ranking. The young Brazilian has been on an upward trajectory since turning professional. In 2024, he notched notable results, including a third-round appearance in Miami and wins over seasoned players. His preparation for the Madrid Open involved targeted clay-court training, a surface where he feels at ease but which demands endurance and strategic patience.

Next challenge: Tommy Paul

In the second round, João Fonseca will face a significant test against Tommy Paul, the world No. 12 from the United States. At 27, Paul brings experience and versatility, performing well across surfaces. His 2025 season has been strong, with a quarterfinal run at the Australian Open and a semifinal in Indian Wells. The matchup promises to be a defining moment for Fonseca as he seeks to establish himself among the ATP’s elite.

Paul’s all-court game, marked by aggressive baseline play and solid movement, will challenge Fonseca’s defensive skills. To prevail, the Brazilian must replicate the consistency shown against Moller and exploit any weaknesses in Paul’s serve, which can falter under pressure. The second-round match is scheduled for the coming days, with exact timing pending confirmation from tournament organizers.

Madrid Open 2025 in context

The Madrid Open is a cornerstone of the ATP and WTA tours, attracting top talent to its clay courts. In 2025, the event gained added intrigue due to the withdrawal of Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz, sidelined by injury. Alcaraz’s absence has opened opportunities for players like Fonseca to make deeper runs. The tournament also serves as a vital stepping stone for Roland Garros, the clay-court Grand Slam set for late May.

Other Brazilian players are also making waves in Madrid. Beatriz Haddad Maia, Brazil’s top-ranked women’s player, staged a comeback in her opening match, snapping a nine-match losing streak. The presence of Brazilian athletes in such a high-profile event highlights the country’s growing influence in global tennis, driven by a new generation of talent.

  • Top men’s contenders: Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, and Jannik Sinner headline the men’s draw.
  • Key absences: Alongside Alcaraz, Rafael Nadal’s participation remains uncertain due to ongoing injury concerns.
  • Prize money: The tournament offers over €8 million in total prizes, drawing the sport’s biggest names.

João Fonseca’s rising star

At just 18, João Fonseca is already a standout in global tennis. Born in Rio de Janeiro, he picked up a racket at age five and quickly rose through the junior ranks. In 2023, he claimed the US Open junior title, a milestone that thrust him into the professional spotlight. Since then, Fonseca has faced top-tier opponents, gaining invaluable experience on the ATP tour.

His ranking surge is remarkable. In 2024, he climbed from outside the top 200 to the top 70, fueled by consistent performances. Fonseca blends powerful groundstrokes with tactical acumen, making him a threat, especially on clay. The Madrid Open offers a platform to challenge elite players and accumulate ranking points to further his ascent.

Gearing up for Roland Garros

The Madrid Open marks the start of a crucial clay-court stretch for João Fonseca. Following Madrid, he is expected to compete in preparatory events like the ATP tournaments in Barcelona or Rome before heading to Roland Garros, the season’s second Grand Slam. Fonseca has expressed a desire to face Novak Djokovic in the early rounds of the French Open, a testament to his ambition.

Clay demands stamina and patience, qualities Fonseca has been refining. His Rio de Janeiro training focused on court movement and point construction, essential for success on the surface. His Madrid debut victory suggests he’s well-prepared for the challenges ahead.

Boosting Brazilian tennis

João Fonseca’s emergence is a boon for Brazilian tennis, which has seen limited representation among the world’s elite since Gustavo Kuerten’s reign. Alongside Fonseca, Beatriz Haddad Maia and Thiago Monteiro are carrying the Brazilian flag in major tournaments. Fonseca’s rise signals a potential return to prominence for Brazil, possibly producing a top-20 player for the first time since Kuerten’s era.

Fonseca’s success is also sparking interest among young athletes. Tennis academies across Brazil report growing enrollment, inspired by his journey. His dedication and achievements underscore the need for sustained investment in the sport’s grassroots development in the country.

  • Upcoming events: Fonseca is likely to play in the ATP 250 in Estoril and the Rome Masters 1000.
  • Current ranking: His win over Moller could push him closer to the top 60.
  • Next goals: Fonseca aims to earn direct entry into Grand Slams through ranking points.

Madrid Open schedule

The Madrid Open 2025 follows a packed schedule at the Caja Mágica, with matches unfolding daily. The tournament kicked off on April 22 and runs through May 4, culminating in the men’s and women’s finals. Fonseca’s second-round match is slated for the near future, pending the official schedule.

  • April 22–24: First-round matches in the main draw.
  • April 25–26: Second round, featuring Fonseca vs. Tommy Paul.
  • April 27–29: Round of 16 and quarterfinals.
  • April 30–May 4: Semifinals and finals.

Looking ahead to the next rounds

Fonseca’s first-round win has boosted his confidence as he prepares to face Tommy Paul. A victory over the American would be a career-defining moment, potentially setting up clashes with heavyweights like Djokovic or Zverev. Each match in Madrid is a chance for Fonseca to gain experience and build momentum for the clay season.

His performance is drawing attention from fans and analysts alike. Fonseca’s ability to handle the pressure of a Masters 1000 event in Madrid’s competitive atmosphere will shape his trajectory in 2025. With his talent and determination, the Brazilian is poised to make waves on the global stage.



João Fonseca, the 18-year-old Brazilian tennis sensation, made a triumphant return to competitive play at the Madrid Open 2025. Ranked 65th in the ATP world rankings, Fonseca took on Denmark’s Elmer Moller, world No. 114, in the first round of the Masters 1000 event held on the clay courts of Spain. In a match lasting just over 1 hour and 30 minutes, the Brazilian displayed poise and dominance, securing a straight-sets victory with a scoreline of 6/2, 6/3. This win propelled him into the second round, where he will face a formidable challenge against American Tommy Paul, currently ranked 12th globally. The Madrid Open, a key stop on the ATP tour, runs until May 4 and serves as a critical warm-up for Roland Garros.

After a month-long hiatus from official tournaments, Fonseca returned with renewed vigor. His last competitive outing was at the Miami Masters 1000 in March, where he fell in the third round to Australia’s Alex de Minaur. During the break, Fonseca honed his skills in Rio de Janeiro, focusing on adapting to clay, the dominant surface in the European tennis season. His commanding performance against Moller underscores his growing prowess and cements his status as one of tennis’s brightest young stars.

The Madrid Open, hosted at the Caja Mágica, is renowned for its high-altitude conditions, which affect ball speed and demand technical adjustments from players. Fonseca, who trained in similar environments, demonstrated both physical and mental readiness for the challenge. His convincing win over Moller, a qualifier, signals that the Brazilian is prepared for tougher battles in the tournament’s later stages.

Breaking down Fonseca’s victory over Moller

The first-round clash against Elmer Moller was a showcase of João Fonseca’s control and precision. Winning the coin toss, Fonseca elected to receive, a tactical choice that allowed him to pressure Moller’s serve early. Although the Dane held his opening service game, Fonseca quickly leveled the score. In the third game, the Brazilian capitalized on a Moller error—a shot sent out of bounds—to secure the first break, setting the tone for the set.

The first set saw Fonseca navigate pockets of resistance from Moller but maintain his lead. After building a 4/2 advantage, he squandered two chances to widen the gap due to unforced errors. However, his powerful serve and accurate groundstrokes prevailed, closing the set at 6/2. The second set followed a similar pattern, with Fonseca breaking Moller’s serve at a pivotal moment and sealing the match with a 6/3 score, leaving little room for a comeback.

  • Fonseca’s strengths: The Brazilian excelled with a 68% first-serve success rate and won 42% of points on Moller’s serve, showcasing his aggressive return game.
  • Moller’s struggles: The Dane committed 24 unforced errors compared to Fonseca’s 15, a disparity that eased the Brazilian’s path to victory.
  • Match duration: The contest wrapped up in 1 hour and 28 minutes, reflecting Fonseca’s ability to dictate the pace.

The road to the first round

Elmer Moller earned his spot in the Madrid Open main draw through the qualifying rounds. The 114th-ranked Dane, who achieved his career-best ranking, defeated American Nishesh Basavareddy in straight sets and Poland’s Kamil Majchrzak in a three-set battle. Despite his qualifying success, Moller couldn’t match Fonseca’s intensity, particularly in longer rallies where the Brazilian’s consistency shone.

Fonseca, by contrast, entered the main draw directly thanks to his ranking. The young Brazilian has been on an upward trajectory since turning professional. In 2024, he notched notable results, including a third-round appearance in Miami and wins over seasoned players. His preparation for the Madrid Open involved targeted clay-court training, a surface where he feels at ease but which demands endurance and strategic patience.

Next challenge: Tommy Paul

In the second round, João Fonseca will face a significant test against Tommy Paul, the world No. 12 from the United States. At 27, Paul brings experience and versatility, performing well across surfaces. His 2025 season has been strong, with a quarterfinal run at the Australian Open and a semifinal in Indian Wells. The matchup promises to be a defining moment for Fonseca as he seeks to establish himself among the ATP’s elite.

Paul’s all-court game, marked by aggressive baseline play and solid movement, will challenge Fonseca’s defensive skills. To prevail, the Brazilian must replicate the consistency shown against Moller and exploit any weaknesses in Paul’s serve, which can falter under pressure. The second-round match is scheduled for the coming days, with exact timing pending confirmation from tournament organizers.

Madrid Open 2025 in context

The Madrid Open is a cornerstone of the ATP and WTA tours, attracting top talent to its clay courts. In 2025, the event gained added intrigue due to the withdrawal of Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz, sidelined by injury. Alcaraz’s absence has opened opportunities for players like Fonseca to make deeper runs. The tournament also serves as a vital stepping stone for Roland Garros, the clay-court Grand Slam set for late May.

Other Brazilian players are also making waves in Madrid. Beatriz Haddad Maia, Brazil’s top-ranked women’s player, staged a comeback in her opening match, snapping a nine-match losing streak. The presence of Brazilian athletes in such a high-profile event highlights the country’s growing influence in global tennis, driven by a new generation of talent.

  • Top men’s contenders: Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, and Jannik Sinner headline the men’s draw.
  • Key absences: Alongside Alcaraz, Rafael Nadal’s participation remains uncertain due to ongoing injury concerns.
  • Prize money: The tournament offers over €8 million in total prizes, drawing the sport’s biggest names.

João Fonseca’s rising star

At just 18, João Fonseca is already a standout in global tennis. Born in Rio de Janeiro, he picked up a racket at age five and quickly rose through the junior ranks. In 2023, he claimed the US Open junior title, a milestone that thrust him into the professional spotlight. Since then, Fonseca has faced top-tier opponents, gaining invaluable experience on the ATP tour.

His ranking surge is remarkable. In 2024, he climbed from outside the top 200 to the top 70, fueled by consistent performances. Fonseca blends powerful groundstrokes with tactical acumen, making him a threat, especially on clay. The Madrid Open offers a platform to challenge elite players and accumulate ranking points to further his ascent.

Gearing up for Roland Garros

The Madrid Open marks the start of a crucial clay-court stretch for João Fonseca. Following Madrid, he is expected to compete in preparatory events like the ATP tournaments in Barcelona or Rome before heading to Roland Garros, the season’s second Grand Slam. Fonseca has expressed a desire to face Novak Djokovic in the early rounds of the French Open, a testament to his ambition.

Clay demands stamina and patience, qualities Fonseca has been refining. His Rio de Janeiro training focused on court movement and point construction, essential for success on the surface. His Madrid debut victory suggests he’s well-prepared for the challenges ahead.

Boosting Brazilian tennis

João Fonseca’s emergence is a boon for Brazilian tennis, which has seen limited representation among the world’s elite since Gustavo Kuerten’s reign. Alongside Fonseca, Beatriz Haddad Maia and Thiago Monteiro are carrying the Brazilian flag in major tournaments. Fonseca’s rise signals a potential return to prominence for Brazil, possibly producing a top-20 player for the first time since Kuerten’s era.

Fonseca’s success is also sparking interest among young athletes. Tennis academies across Brazil report growing enrollment, inspired by his journey. His dedication and achievements underscore the need for sustained investment in the sport’s grassroots development in the country.

  • Upcoming events: Fonseca is likely to play in the ATP 250 in Estoril and the Rome Masters 1000.
  • Current ranking: His win over Moller could push him closer to the top 60.
  • Next goals: Fonseca aims to earn direct entry into Grand Slams through ranking points.

Madrid Open schedule

The Madrid Open 2025 follows a packed schedule at the Caja Mágica, with matches unfolding daily. The tournament kicked off on April 22 and runs through May 4, culminating in the men’s and women’s finals. Fonseca’s second-round match is slated for the near future, pending the official schedule.

  • April 22–24: First-round matches in the main draw.
  • April 25–26: Second round, featuring Fonseca vs. Tommy Paul.
  • April 27–29: Round of 16 and quarterfinals.
  • April 30–May 4: Semifinals and finals.

Looking ahead to the next rounds

Fonseca’s first-round win has boosted his confidence as he prepares to face Tommy Paul. A victory over the American would be a career-defining moment, potentially setting up clashes with heavyweights like Djokovic or Zverev. Each match in Madrid is a chance for Fonseca to gain experience and build momentum for the clay season.

His performance is drawing attention from fans and analysts alike. Fonseca’s ability to handle the pressure of a Masters 1000 event in Madrid’s competitive atmosphere will shape his trajectory in 2025. With his talent and determination, the Brazilian is poised to make waves on the global stage.



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