At just 18 years old, João Fonseca continues his rise in global tennis and is one step away from the semifinals of the Phoenix Challenger, held in Arizona, United States. On Friday, March 14, the young Brazilian, currently ranked 80th in the ATP standings, takes on Frenchman Hugo Gaston, world number 93, in an unprecedented duel valid for the quarterfinals. The match, scheduled for no earlier than 11 p.m. Brasília time, will be broadcast live on SporTV 3 and Challenger TV, the ATP’s official platform. After defeating Russia’s Pavel Kotov and Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff in earlier rounds, Fonseca aims to maintain his momentum in a tournament that awards 175 points to the champion and serves as a warm-up for the Miami Masters 1000, starting next week.
Fresh off a challenging victory over Struff, the fourth seed and former world number 21, the Rio de Janeiro native showcased resilience. The match, delayed by nearly an hour due to rain, demanded adaptation to adverse weather conditions, with biting cold in Phoenix. Even so, Fonseca sealed the win in three sets, 6/1, 4/6, and 6/3, over 1 hour and 41 minutes of play. The triumph underscores the Brazilian’s strong form in 2025, a year in which he has already claimed titles like the ATP 250 in Buenos Aires and the Canberra Challenger, alongside a standout performance at the Next Gen Finals late last year.
Across the net, Hugo Gaston arrives in top shape after ousting American Reilly Opelka, a former top-20 player, in the round of 16. Known for his creative style and frequent use of drop shots, the Frenchman promises to pose a different test for Fonseca. While the Brazilian relies on powerful groundstrokes and baseline consistency, Gaston may lean on tactical variations to catch his opponent off guard. With no prior encounters between the two, this matchup brings an extra layer of unpredictability to the clash.
O anúncio na tela
João Fonseca amanhã no Sportv3 contra Hugo Gaston
23h pic.twitter.com/ZzY1mSoQQU— Mundo Do Tênis
(@mundodotenispod) March 14, 2025
Fonseca’s impressive run in Phoenix
João Fonseca landed in Arizona aiming to gain match rhythm ahead of the Miami Masters 1000, but his performance at the Phoenix Challenger has already exceeded expectations. In his debut, the Brazilian dispatched Russia’s Pavel Kotov, ranked 102nd, in straight sets, 6/2 and 6/4, despite needing medical attention for a left thigh issue during the second set. The win signaled his readiness to handle physical setbacks while staying focused on court.
Against Jan-Lennard Struff in the round of 16, the stakes were higher. The 34-year-old German brought experience and a strong track record, including a semifinal run in Phoenix in 2023. Fonseca started strong, taking the first set 6/1 with three service breaks. Struff fought back in the second, capitalizing on a dip in the Brazilian’s play to level the match at 6/4. In the decisive set, the young carioca regained control, broke his opponent’s serve twice, and closed it out 6/3, despite tough weather conditions. The match, delayed by 50 minutes due to rain, tested his patience and adaptability.
Now facing Hugo Gaston, Fonseca meets a player with a contrasting style. The 24-year-old Frenchman advanced to the quarterfinals with a straight-sets win over Opelka, proving his solidity on hard courts. Gaston’s knack for mixing up the pace could challenge Fonseca’s aggressive approach. To reach the semifinals, the Brazilian will need to replicate the consistency shown so far and counter the Frenchman’s tactical arsenal effectively.
Hugo Gaston: Fonseca’s next hurdle
Hailing from Toulouse, Hugo Gaston burst onto the scene in 2020, reaching the round of 16 at Roland Garros after upsetting players like Stan Wawrinka. At 24, he’s experiencing a resurgence in 2025, aiming to climb back up the rankings after some inconsistent seasons. In Phoenix, he’s reached the quarterfinals with convincing wins, including his defeat of Opelka, a towering player known for his booming serve who once cracked the top 20.
Gaston’s game prioritizes tactical intelligence over raw power. Standing at 5’8”, he compensates for his lack of size with quick footwork and precise shots, like the drop shots that often throw opponents off balance. Against Fonseca, he’s likely to push the Brazilian out of his comfort zone, forcing him off the baseline and into a battle of rhythm changes. The matchup pits Fonseca’s aggression against Gaston’s finesse, setting the stage for a compelling stylistic showdown.
While Gaston excels on clay, his preferred surface, his win over Opelka shows he’s comfortable on Phoenix’s hard courts. For Fonseca, the key will be staying focused and avoiding being caught off guard by Gaston’s tricks, especially in extended rallies that could test his patience. The Frenchman’s adaptability makes him a dangerous foe, but Fonseca’s recent form suggests he’s ready for the challenge.
Path to the final: opponents and tournament schedule
Running from March 11 to 16, the Phoenix Challenger features a competitive field and serves as a gauge for the season ahead. Beyond Fonseca and Gaston, other notable players remain in contention. Portugal’s Nuno Borges, ranked 36th and a two-time defending champion, faces American Colton Smith in the quarterfinals, while Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik and France’s Corentin Moutet square off for another semifinal berth. Italy’s Flavio Cobolli, the second seed, is also alive in the opposite half of the draw.
Here’s the schedule for the upcoming rounds:
- Quarterfinals: March 14, starting at 2 p.m. Brasília time.
- Semifinals: March 15, with times to be confirmed.
- Final: March 16, slated for late afternoon in Arizona.
The winner will pocket 175 ATP ranking points and a prize of $38,420, roughly R$225,000 at current exchange rates. For Fonseca, each win in Phoenix offers not just points and cash but also crucial experience ahead of the Miami Masters 1000, where the world’s elite will gather starting March 19.
Fonseca’s 2025 performance: a breakout year
João Fonseca has been cementing his status as one of tennis’s brightest prospects since the year began. His title at the Canberra Challenger in January kicked off a season that already includes a win at the ATP 250 in Buenos Aires and a victorious run at the 2024 Next Gen Finals. At 18, he became the youngest player to break into the ATP top 100 since Carlos Alcaraz, a milestone that highlights his potential for even greater achievements.
In Phoenix, he’s already notched two significant wins and could climb further in the rankings with a strong showing in the coming rounds. A victory over Gaston would pit him against the winner of Arthur Rinderknech (73rd) and a yet-to-be-determined qualifier in the semifinals. Every match is a chance for Fonseca to refine his technical and mental game, qualities that have caught the eye of analysts and fans alike.
His maturity on court stands out for someone so young. Against Struff, he navigated cold, rain, and a seasoned opponent without losing composure. That adaptability will be vital against Gaston and in future tests like the Miami Masters 1000. With coach Guilherme Teixeira in his corner, Fonseca’s trajectory keeps trending upward.
What to expect from the Gaston showdown
Unlike his previous foes, Hugo Gaston brings a style that may demand more patience from Fonseca. While Kotov and Struff relied on intense baseline exchanges, the Frenchman is likely to mix things up with short balls and pace changes. Phoenix’s medium-speed hard courts suit both players, but the outcome could hinge on who imposes their game plan more effectively.
For Fonseca, staying aggressive without falling into Gaston’s tactical traps will be critical. The Frenchman, meanwhile, will need to neutralize Fonseca’s power and capitalize on any lapses, like those seen in the second set against Struff. Set for 11 p.m. on Friday, the match promises to be one of the quarterfinals’ most competitive, with live coverage ensuring Brazilian fans can follow every moment.
Fonseca’s Phoenix campaign is already a triumph, but the young star isn’t done yet. Backed by Teixeira, he’s chasing his third Challenger title and a bigger foothold among tennis’s elite. The clash with Gaston is the next chapter in a journey that’s putting Brazil back on the global tennis map.

At just 18 years old, João Fonseca continues his rise in global tennis and is one step away from the semifinals of the Phoenix Challenger, held in Arizona, United States. On Friday, March 14, the young Brazilian, currently ranked 80th in the ATP standings, takes on Frenchman Hugo Gaston, world number 93, in an unprecedented duel valid for the quarterfinals. The match, scheduled for no earlier than 11 p.m. Brasília time, will be broadcast live on SporTV 3 and Challenger TV, the ATP’s official platform. After defeating Russia’s Pavel Kotov and Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff in earlier rounds, Fonseca aims to maintain his momentum in a tournament that awards 175 points to the champion and serves as a warm-up for the Miami Masters 1000, starting next week.
Fresh off a challenging victory over Struff, the fourth seed and former world number 21, the Rio de Janeiro native showcased resilience. The match, delayed by nearly an hour due to rain, demanded adaptation to adverse weather conditions, with biting cold in Phoenix. Even so, Fonseca sealed the win in three sets, 6/1, 4/6, and 6/3, over 1 hour and 41 minutes of play. The triumph underscores the Brazilian’s strong form in 2025, a year in which he has already claimed titles like the ATP 250 in Buenos Aires and the Canberra Challenger, alongside a standout performance at the Next Gen Finals late last year.
Across the net, Hugo Gaston arrives in top shape after ousting American Reilly Opelka, a former top-20 player, in the round of 16. Known for his creative style and frequent use of drop shots, the Frenchman promises to pose a different test for Fonseca. While the Brazilian relies on powerful groundstrokes and baseline consistency, Gaston may lean on tactical variations to catch his opponent off guard. With no prior encounters between the two, this matchup brings an extra layer of unpredictability to the clash.
O anúncio na tela
João Fonseca amanhã no Sportv3 contra Hugo Gaston
23h pic.twitter.com/ZzY1mSoQQU— Mundo Do Tênis
(@mundodotenispod) March 14, 2025
Fonseca’s impressive run in Phoenix
João Fonseca landed in Arizona aiming to gain match rhythm ahead of the Miami Masters 1000, but his performance at the Phoenix Challenger has already exceeded expectations. In his debut, the Brazilian dispatched Russia’s Pavel Kotov, ranked 102nd, in straight sets, 6/2 and 6/4, despite needing medical attention for a left thigh issue during the second set. The win signaled his readiness to handle physical setbacks while staying focused on court.
Against Jan-Lennard Struff in the round of 16, the stakes were higher. The 34-year-old German brought experience and a strong track record, including a semifinal run in Phoenix in 2023. Fonseca started strong, taking the first set 6/1 with three service breaks. Struff fought back in the second, capitalizing on a dip in the Brazilian’s play to level the match at 6/4. In the decisive set, the young carioca regained control, broke his opponent’s serve twice, and closed it out 6/3, despite tough weather conditions. The match, delayed by 50 minutes due to rain, tested his patience and adaptability.
Now facing Hugo Gaston, Fonseca meets a player with a contrasting style. The 24-year-old Frenchman advanced to the quarterfinals with a straight-sets win over Opelka, proving his solidity on hard courts. Gaston’s knack for mixing up the pace could challenge Fonseca’s aggressive approach. To reach the semifinals, the Brazilian will need to replicate the consistency shown so far and counter the Frenchman’s tactical arsenal effectively.
Hugo Gaston: Fonseca’s next hurdle
Hailing from Toulouse, Hugo Gaston burst onto the scene in 2020, reaching the round of 16 at Roland Garros after upsetting players like Stan Wawrinka. At 24, he’s experiencing a resurgence in 2025, aiming to climb back up the rankings after some inconsistent seasons. In Phoenix, he’s reached the quarterfinals with convincing wins, including his defeat of Opelka, a towering player known for his booming serve who once cracked the top 20.
Gaston’s game prioritizes tactical intelligence over raw power. Standing at 5’8”, he compensates for his lack of size with quick footwork and precise shots, like the drop shots that often throw opponents off balance. Against Fonseca, he’s likely to push the Brazilian out of his comfort zone, forcing him off the baseline and into a battle of rhythm changes. The matchup pits Fonseca’s aggression against Gaston’s finesse, setting the stage for a compelling stylistic showdown.
While Gaston excels on clay, his preferred surface, his win over Opelka shows he’s comfortable on Phoenix’s hard courts. For Fonseca, the key will be staying focused and avoiding being caught off guard by Gaston’s tricks, especially in extended rallies that could test his patience. The Frenchman’s adaptability makes him a dangerous foe, but Fonseca’s recent form suggests he’s ready for the challenge.
Path to the final: opponents and tournament schedule
Running from March 11 to 16, the Phoenix Challenger features a competitive field and serves as a gauge for the season ahead. Beyond Fonseca and Gaston, other notable players remain in contention. Portugal’s Nuno Borges, ranked 36th and a two-time defending champion, faces American Colton Smith in the quarterfinals, while Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik and France’s Corentin Moutet square off for another semifinal berth. Italy’s Flavio Cobolli, the second seed, is also alive in the opposite half of the draw.
Here’s the schedule for the upcoming rounds:
- Quarterfinals: March 14, starting at 2 p.m. Brasília time.
- Semifinals: March 15, with times to be confirmed.
- Final: March 16, slated for late afternoon in Arizona.
The winner will pocket 175 ATP ranking points and a prize of $38,420, roughly R$225,000 at current exchange rates. For Fonseca, each win in Phoenix offers not just points and cash but also crucial experience ahead of the Miami Masters 1000, where the world’s elite will gather starting March 19.
Fonseca’s 2025 performance: a breakout year
João Fonseca has been cementing his status as one of tennis’s brightest prospects since the year began. His title at the Canberra Challenger in January kicked off a season that already includes a win at the ATP 250 in Buenos Aires and a victorious run at the 2024 Next Gen Finals. At 18, he became the youngest player to break into the ATP top 100 since Carlos Alcaraz, a milestone that highlights his potential for even greater achievements.
In Phoenix, he’s already notched two significant wins and could climb further in the rankings with a strong showing in the coming rounds. A victory over Gaston would pit him against the winner of Arthur Rinderknech (73rd) and a yet-to-be-determined qualifier in the semifinals. Every match is a chance for Fonseca to refine his technical and mental game, qualities that have caught the eye of analysts and fans alike.
His maturity on court stands out for someone so young. Against Struff, he navigated cold, rain, and a seasoned opponent without losing composure. That adaptability will be vital against Gaston and in future tests like the Miami Masters 1000. With coach Guilherme Teixeira in his corner, Fonseca’s trajectory keeps trending upward.
What to expect from the Gaston showdown
Unlike his previous foes, Hugo Gaston brings a style that may demand more patience from Fonseca. While Kotov and Struff relied on intense baseline exchanges, the Frenchman is likely to mix things up with short balls and pace changes. Phoenix’s medium-speed hard courts suit both players, but the outcome could hinge on who imposes their game plan more effectively.
For Fonseca, staying aggressive without falling into Gaston’s tactical traps will be critical. The Frenchman, meanwhile, will need to neutralize Fonseca’s power and capitalize on any lapses, like those seen in the second set against Struff. Set for 11 p.m. on Friday, the match promises to be one of the quarterfinals’ most competitive, with live coverage ensuring Brazilian fans can follow every moment.
Fonseca’s Phoenix campaign is already a triumph, but the young star isn’t done yet. Backed by Teixeira, he’s chasing his third Challenger title and a bigger foothold among tennis’s elite. The clash with Gaston is the next chapter in a journey that’s putting Brazil back on the global tennis map.
