Joao Fonseca spoke after winning the Challenger 175 in Phoenix, taking the positives from his loss to Jack Draper at Indian Wells. The Brazilian star was surprised in the first round of the Masters 1000 and decided to travel to Phoenix to stay in rhythm while out of competition.

The world No. 60 highlighted the high level of the Challenger he played – considering it could easily have been an ATP 250 due to the calibre of players. Fonseca shared the stage with several who exited early at Tennis Garden, defeating opponents like Jan-Lennard Struff, Kei Nishikori, and Alexander Bublik in the final.

“This Challenger could have easily been an ATP 250 thanks to the excellent players present,” he told Gill Gross in an interview. “I’m trying to focus on being more solid and aggressive, attacking the lines.”

The 18-year-old also reflected on his painful 4-6, 0-6 loss to Jack Draper. The Brit overwhelmed Fonseca at the start of what turned into unforgettable weeks for Draper, culminating in his first Masters 1000 title.

“I wasn’t successful against Draper at Indian Wells. My game is based on aggression, and I like playing that way. I accepted making more mistakes and hitting more winners. But I want to be more solid in key moments, and I’m trying to understand how to handle those situations.”

Fonseca also shared an important mindset that guides him: “My coach and I have a saying: ‘Pressure is a privilege.’ Pressure will always be there, as will expectations. That’s why we need to stay focused and surround ourselves with people who can help us. I stay focused on myself, what I have to do, my routine, and what I want to achieve.”

Fonseca will make his Miami Open debut on Thursday night against a familiar rival: 19-year-old Learner Tien. The two have already faced off twice at the 2024 Next Gen ATP Finals, in both the Round Robin and the final, with Fonseca emerging victorious on both occasions. This time, the stage will be a Masters 1000, featuring two of the most exciting young names on the ATP Tour.

Match Statistics Draper vs. Fonseca

Draper VS Fonseca Service 6 Aces 0 5 Double Faults 1 55% (33/60) 1st Service Percentage 52% (24/46) 76% (25/33) 1st Service Points Won 58% (14/24) 44% (12/27) 2nd Service Points Won 36% (8/22) 86% (6/7) Break Points Saved 38% (3/8) 88% (7/8) Service Games 38% (3/8) Return 42% (10/24) 1st Return Points Won 24% (8/33) 64% (14/22) 2nd Return Points Won 56% (15/27) – Break Points Saved – Other 1h 16m Match Duration 1h 16m