By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Saturday March 22, 2025
Joao Fonseca’s rise continues in Miami.
The Brazilian created quite the stir at the Masters 1000 event when he was moved from Grandstand to Stadium at the last minute for what the tournament called security reasons.
That decision forced a mass exodus by fans, who were on hand early to watch Jack Draper and Jackub Mensik on Grandstand, but made a colossal move for the exits during the second set when the move was announced.
Those who made the trek over to the Hard Rock stadium were not disappointed as 18-year-old Fonseca defeated Ugo Humbert 6-4, 6-3 to become the youngest player to reach the third round at Miami since Juan Martin del Potro in 2007.
Fonseca didn’t just win, he dropped jaws.
During the sixth game of the second set he hit one forehand winner at 96 MPH, then another to break at 113 MPH.
It’s the type of easy power that makes Fonseca – now up to 58 in the ATP live rankings – one of the most highly touted prospects in the game.
“When the crowd is with any player, they are more hyped,” said Fonseca on court after the win. “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.”
Fonseca will face either Alex de Minaur in the third round.