Fonseca, a Brazilian teenager, defeats Davidovich Fokina to capture Basel’s highest career title
Joao Fonseca, a teenager from Brazil, won the Swiss Indoors Championships in Basel on Sunday, easily defeating Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, the eighth seed from Spain, 6-3 6-4 to secure the biggest championship of his career.
The 19-year-old’s victory is his first at the ATP 500 level and his second tour-level title; his first victory was in Buenos Aires in February.
Since former world number one Gustavo Kuerten won the ATP Masters 1000 in Cincinnati in 2001, Fonseca also became the first Brazilian to win a title above the ATP 250 level.
“It is crazy,” Fonseca declared. “I want to express my gratitude to my instructors and family for supporting me in this incredible endeavor.
“My folks recently arrived from Brazil. An hour prior to the match with my uncles, they arrived here after changing their flights from Paris. Having them here for the biggest title of my career is simply incredible.
“It is a pleasure playing this sport and this tournament and I am very happy.”
When the new rankings are announced on Monday, Fonseca’s victory will put him for the first time in the top 30 of the ATP global rankings. His current ranking is 46th.
With a 3-0 lead in the first set after breaking Davidovich Fokina, Fonseca set the tone early in the match. Despite Davidovich Fokina’s efforts to rally, the 26-year-old was unable to overcome Fonseca’s might.
Fonseca ended the opening set with remarkable ease after firing 15 winners.
In a similar vein, he broke early to take a 2-0 lead in the second set. After failing to convert a championship point on return at 5-3, he maintained his composure and won in 1h25.
“We continue. “It’s the first ATP 500, but hopefully it won’t be the last,” Fonseca stated.
He also thought back on the Swiss maestro and record 10-time Basel champion Roger Federer, who inspired him as a child.
“When I was younger, I watched Roger compete in this competition on TV, and if I remember correctly, he won about ten times. Playing here for the first time and on this court is a delight. It won’t be the last time, for sure,” Fonseca stated.
“It’s absurd how Brazilians always cheer and chant my name wherever I go. It’s an honor to represent this wonderful nation. I sincerely appreciate everyone who came and supported me today.
The defeat was Davidovich Fokina’s fifth overall and fourth last loss of the year.
He was courteous in defeat despite the setback.
“Today, you (Fonseca) displayed incredible tennis skills… “You definitely have a bright future,” Davidovich Fokina remarked.
