Fonseca Sets Up Munich Quarterfinal vs. Shelton

By Richard Pagliaro | Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Photo credit: BNP Paribas Open Facebook

Joao Fonseca is already making a mark on this clay-court season.

The 19-year-old Fonseca fended off Arthur Rinderknech 6-3, 6-2 to become the second teenager this decade after Holger Rune (2022-2023) to reach the Munich quarterfinals.

It was Fonseca’s second win over Rinderknech in as many weeks following his 7-5, 4-6, 6-3 victory in the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters second round.

A fierce Fonseca saved all nine break points he faced in advancing to Tour-level quarterfinals in back-to-back weeks for the first time in his young career.

“That was a super important key for today,” said Fonseca of remaining unbroken. “I was pretty focused on today’s match, I knew it was going to be difficult. He’s already a great player, and here at altitude he can play very good tennis. Serve and volley, and drop shots. He’s full of weapons, so I needed to be very focused.

“He made some great returns today. At 3-2, when I was serving, that was a super important game to keep it up. I was Love-40, and then I made some good serves. For sure these points were key for today.”

World No. 35 Fonseca is into his sixth Tour-level quarterfinal. Fonseca has been bringing his best tennis against Top 50 opponents. Since September, Fonseca is 14-4 vs. Top 50 opponents, with three of those four losses coming against Top 3 opponents.

Fonseca will face American Ben Shelton for a semifinal spot.

The second-seededed Shelton stopped Belgian wild card Alexander Blockx 6-4, 7-6(8).

Shelton saved all three break points he faced advancing to his 27th Tour-level quarterfinal, including his fifth of the season. The 23-year-old Shelton improved to 14-5 on the season as he plays for his second title of the year after winning Dallas last month.