By TennisUpToDate.com

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Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca has enjoyed a breakthrough season on the ATP Tour, but his biggest challenge yet comes at the Laver Cup in San Francisco. The 19-year-old, who has already lifted trophies and stunned top seeds in 2025, now faces the prospect of entering one of tennis’s most electrifying atmospheres. With Team World chasing another title, Fonseca is eager to embrace a format unlike anything else in the sport.

Tennis is often described as the ultimate individual battle, but the Laver Cup turns rivals into teammates and sidelines into communal huddles. For Fonseca, that change of pace is a welcome twist in his young career. “Playing tennis is an individual game and when do you have this opportunity to play as a team?” he asked, underlining why the event means so much to him.

The Rio de Janeiro native will join forces with stars such as Taylor Fritz, Alex de Minaur, Reilly Opelka, Alex Michelsen, and fellow South American Francisco Cerundolo. Beyond competing, Fonseca is determined to soak in the lessons from those around him. “An amazing opportunity to be around great players, great captains,” he said. “I’m going to love it for sure.”

Team spirit is something he’s eager to embrace both on and off the court. Fonseca knows that even from the bench he has a role to play, encouraging teammates through tense moments. “Laver Cup will be super nice to cheer for each other,” he said. “Hopefully, Laver Cup will teach me a lot.” For a player just beginning to establish himself on tour, it’s the kind of environment that promises growth as much as victories.

Hungry for Challenges

When it comes to opponents, Fonseca isn’t looking for easy draws. “I love playing with the best,” he declared. “Carlos [Alcaraz] or Sascha [Zverev] would be super. If Andre picked me for anyone, I’ll be ready.” That fearlessness is part of what has made his rise so remarkable. Facing higher-ranked rivals doesn’t intimidate him; it inspires him.

Yet Fonseca’s contribution to the Laver Cup won’t be measured solely in results. The teenager believes his energy and passion will resonate in San Francisco, especially with the strong Brazilian fan base expected to attend. “I’m going to bring a great vibe and hopefully, great tennis that will help them to take this trophy,” he said.

Fonseca started the year as world No. 145, but he has had a spectacular season, winning his first title at the Buenos Aires Open and with strong performances in the Grand Slams. At the start of the year, he defeated Andrey Rublev in the first round of the Australian Open—his first top-10 victory—and reached the third round at both Roland Garros and Wimbledon as his best results in the majors.

Learning from Agassi and teammates

Fonseca will also benefit from the guidance of Andre Agassi, who makes his debut as Team World’s captain. The Brazilian teenager sees the chance to work with the eight-time Grand Slam champion as a highlight of his season. “I love his journey and the way that he played was super nice,” Fonseca said, adding that he has been reading Agassi’s memoir Open in preparation.

Equally exciting is the potential to share the doubles court with Cerundolo. “Hopefully we can play doubles with each other,” Fonseca admitted, pointing out how their growing camaraderie extends beyond competition. He often greets the Argentine in Spanish in locker rooms around the world, a small ritual that reflects their South American connection.