Fonseca Mania Returns to Miami, With Alcaraz Looming

João Fonseca – and the passionate fervor of his Brazilian fan base – was a revelation at last year’s Miami Open. The teenager drew massive crowds wherever he played, and his second-round clash with Ugo Humbert was ultimately moved from a smaller court to Hard Rock Stadium when it became clear the original venue couldn’t handle the demand to see him up close.

The problem? Fans had already staked out seats on the outer court. When word spread of the last-minute switch, a wave of spectators bolted for Stadium Court in the middle of Jack Draper’s match with Jakub Mensik, causing a disruption that briefly delayed play.

After last year’s scheduling chaos, Miami tournament director James Blake has made one thing clear: João Fonseca is now a Stadium-court attraction from the outset.

So expect the Brazilian to open his campaign under the bright lights when he takes on ever-dangerous Fabian Marozsan. Should Fonseca advance, he’ll stay there: Monday’s draw revealed that the winner will face Carlos Alcaraz in the second round.

A tough draw for both players — and perhaps not an ideal one for the World No. 1.

For the record, Marozsan defeated Fonseca in their only previous meeting, a 6-3, 7-6(4) victory in Rome last season.

Fonseca reached the third round in Miami a year ago, falling to Alex de Minaur in three sets, while Alcaraz suffered a surprise early exit, losing his opening match to David Goffin.