Joao Fonseca becomes youngest South American to win ATP event since 1990

Joao Fonseca replaces Thiago Seyboth Wild as the youngest Brazilian to claim a tour-level trophy.

Joao Fonseca continued his ascent with a maiden ATP-level title in the form of the 2025 Argentina Open. It was a dream week for Fonseca in Buenos Aires, which he capped by defeating Francisco Cerundolo, 6-4, 7-6 (1), for his first ATP title. 

After Sunday’s win, he will move on to the Rio Open as the youngest South American to win an ATP event since 1990. At 18 years and six months, Fonseca is the fourth-youngest player to an ATP title this century. He joins Kei Nishikori, Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz as the fourth 18-year-old on the list to win a tour-level title since 2000.

Fonseca is also the youngest Brazilian to win an ATP title in the Open Era. Previously, the record belonged to Thiago Seyboth Wild, who was 19 when he won his first ATP title in 2020 at Santiago. The Brazilian, in his breakthrough year, is also the tenth youngest champion in the ATP Tour era 1990.

Fonseca’s maiden title came just days after he became the youngest Brazilian man to reach an ATP semi-final in the Open Era. The Brazilian showcased his fighting qualities in the quarter-final against Mariano Navone.

Facing two match points in the third set, he fought back to win 3-6, 6-4, 7-5. Fonseca overcame Laslo Djere, 7-6(3), 5-7, 6-1, to make his title-round debut after a second hard-fought win over the Serbian in as many days.

The 18-year-old prodigy, who leads the race to Jeddah, received a compliment from Carlos Alcaraz.  The Spaniard labelled Fonseca’s accomplishment ‘impressive.’ British great Andy Murray can’t wait to witness a clash between Alcaraz and Fonseca.

Murray entered the chat by posting his thoughts on X after the result, “Can’t wait for the first Fonseca vs Alcaraz match.”

Fonseca defeated four Argentinians in a week en route to his maiden title. He will now play in Rio, where he will have the full backing of the home crowd. Fonseca has entered the top #70 following his title run at the Argentina Open.

He is now ranked No. #68 and 6-1 against the top 50 players since October last season. In the opening round of the Rio Open, Fonseca will face off against German Alexandre Muller.

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