Alexander Zverev got the better of Joao Fonseca in their first-ever meeting to move into the Monte-Carlo Masters semi-finals.
While it took him three sets to get the job done, Zverev still looked in control against the talented Brazilian youngster.
Fonseca has already faced each of the top three this season without a win, but there’s still plenty of hope that he could be one of the players to challenge Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner’s dominance.
After facing him for the first time, Zverev gave his take on how close Fonseca is to competing with the very best on tour.
Alexander Zverev shares his thoughts on Joao Fonseca’s game
Zverev was in control for much of the early stages before Fonseca put together a strong run to get back into it.
The teenager, though, couldn’t keep up the level deep into the third set, and Zverev managed to pull away without much trouble in the end.
Speaking with ESPN Brasil after the match, Zverev had good things to say about Fonseca’s potential, but made it clear there are still areas that need work.
Fonseca is currently ranked 35th in the world, though he has previously reached as high as 24th.
Joao Fonseca reflects on his loss to Alexander Zverev
Fonseca put together a strong run in Monte Carlo, and the tournament already stands out as his most successful showing of 2026 so far.
The Brazilian came away with four wins on clay, taking his overall record for the season to a solid 9-5.
When asked about the match against Zverev, Fonseca pointed out a few areas where he felt he could have done better.
“I’m happy with how I competed, but not with how I handled the important moments,” he said after the match.”
Fonseca will now turn his attention to Munich Open, which starts on April 15. With several high-profile withdrawals from the ATP 500 event, including Taylor Fritz, Jiri Lehecka, Jakub Mensik and Sebastian Korda, it’s an opportunity he’ll want to take advantage of.
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