Federer on Fonseca: He Should Want to be ‘The Guy’

19-year-old Joao Fonseca – he of the pulsating power and the passionate, go-everywhere Brazilian fan base – is getting a lot of attention after this year’s Australian Open draw. The teen has been drawn to potentially face Jannik Sinner in the third round of the Australian Open, and many see the lingering matchup as a potential litmus test and a chance for Fonseca – win or lose – to lay down a statement of intent. 

Note: Fonseca faces American Elito Spizziri in round one, and will face either Luca Nardi or Wu Yibing in the second round, should he advance.

Roger Federer, who just happened to be giving a press conference in Melbourne after Thursday’s draw release, was asked to give his take on the rising phenom, and had high praise to dish out. 

Do you think that Fonseca can be a “third guy” in the men’s tennis hierarchy, along with Sinner and Alcaraz, the Swiss legend was asked by a journalist. 

To which he quickly replied:

“You don’t want to be the third guy, you want to be the guy.” 

Federer went on to speak at great length about Fonseca, adding that self-belief has to be paramount when talking about such a lofty mission. 

“For anybody I would think that’s hopefully what he’s thinking. Of course, you don’t want to get too carried away and think too far ahead… I feel like anyone on tour should be coming here and saying ‘I want to win the Australian Open’, it should be totally allowed and same for Joao and I hope he has that mindset.” 

Federer echoed the sentiments of most who kept a close eye on Fonseca during his breakout 2025 season. Yes, the sky is the limit, but also: yes, he needs to find balance in his game, between when to go big and when to be patient. That should come with maturity, Federer says. 

“I feel like he’s more a little bit like me in the sense that he just needs a little bit more time to work out his game,” the 20-time major champion said. “When to dial back, when to unload his shot but once he figures that out, the sky’s the limit, but obviously I think he’s one of the guys who can compete for the biggest wins.”

“I think what separates him from a lot of other guys in the draw is just that power – forehand, backhand, serve – and just what he’s able to bring point for point. He’s exciting, he’s got a good aura, I feel he’s a very likeable character as well. I like watching him play to be honest, I briefly met him at Laver Cup, and also saw him courtside from the back – it was also impressive to see.”

Speaking of impressive players to watch, Federer will be practicing on Rod Laver Arena with Casper Ruud on Friday – stay tuned for more on that session.