Fonseca primed for Laver Cup debut

At just 18 years old, João Fonseca has already made his presence felt in professional tennis. In September, he will create more history as the youngest player to compete at Laver Cup.

The rising Brazilian star has been named to Team World for the 2025 edition of the event in San Francisco, joining a powerhouse squad captained by Andre Agassi and led by the likes of Ben Shelton, Tommy Paul, and Taylor Fritz.

“It just feels amazing to be invited to Laver Cup this year,” he said. “I’ve been watching over the years. A memorable thing for me. I’ve seen Federer and Nadal play for Team Europe, and now I’m on Team World. I’m super excited.”

Fonseca’s progress has been rapid. Born in Rio de Janeiro in August 2006, he picked up a racquet at the age of four at the Rio de Janeiro Country Club, next to his home. In 2023, he won the US Open junior title and attained the world No.1 junior ranking, the first Brazilian to do so. That same year, he made his ATP debut in Rio, and within 12 months, he was not only winning ATP matches but capturing titles, walking in the footsteps of his hero, former world No.1 Gustavo “Guga” Kuerten.

Fonseca’s decision to turn professional instead of playing college tennis at the University of Virginia proved to be judicious. In 2024, he went 5-0 to win the Next Gen ATP Finals, joining Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner as the only 18-year-old champions in the event’s history and the first South American to lift that trophy. In February 2025, he broke into the top 100, stunning the tennis world by defeating ninth seed Andrey Rublev in straight sets at the Australian Open.

“Things in my life happen fast,” said Fonseca. “Two years ago, I was playing juniors. I entered the top 100, now I’m playing with top 100 guys on nice stadiums, so I’m getting more used to everything. I’m liking a lot this life.”

Now ranked No.65 in the world, with a title in Buenos Aires under his belt, Fonseca is gaining a reputation for his fearless mindset, electric forehand, and fierce competitiveness.

“The best thing I have as a tennis player is that in difficult moments, I have no doubts when attacking the ball and being the one to dictate the game,” he said during his Buenos Aires run. It’s a mentality that should serve him well in the unique team atmosphere of the Laver Cup.

The Laver Cup pits the best of Team Europe against Team World in an intense three-day competition. For Fonseca, being part of that environment is an opportunity to learn, compete, and contribute.

“I hope I can help as much as possible – the team,” he said. “I’ll try to help them get the trophy. It’s our goal. It’s all the team’s goal, so let’s go for it.”

Fonseca looks forward to linking up with teammate and good friend Ben Shelton. “I’d probably choose Ben [as my doubles partner],” he said. “He’s the guy I’m most friendly with.” Fonseca says he also knows Tommy Paul “a little bit” and is excited to meet Taylor Fritz, noting, “He’s a top 10 player, so it’s just going to be nice to be around those guys.”

He’s also relishing the opportunity to be coached by tennis legend Agassi. “I know a little bit of the history of Andre Agassi. I wasn’t born when he played very much, but I know some good matches of his. It’s going to be a pleasure to be on the same team as him.”

Fonseca is ready to bring the noise in San Francisco, just like he’s done on courts around the world. “I’ll try to be as loud as possible. Ben Shelton is loud – he played university tennis – so I know how it’s going to be. I’m just going to be in the vibe,” he said. “I hope Brazilian fans will go out there. Everywhere I go, there are some Brazilians watching. If they’re there, it’s going to be loud.”

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