The teenage prodigy Joao Fonseca defeated Laslo Djere in a thrilling semifinal match. Fonseca defeated Serbian Djere in the 9th game of the second set 7-6 (7/3), 5-7, 6-1.
After defeating Djere, Fonseca became the youngest clay court finalist after Carlos Alcaraz in 2021. Alcaraz reached the final match in the Argentina Open in 2021.
Fonesa is just 18 years old and he showcased his skills in the nerve-ending match against Djere. After defeating Djere, Fonesa said, “Really special. Today was really difficult, against a really good player. He went through qualifying, so he’s playing amazing tennis.”
He continued, “We already knew how Laslo can play. So, I played my best. Today was with my heart. Today was with pain. And we got through. There is one match to go, so let’s go for it.”
Currently, Fonseca is ranked 99th on the table and has made his way to the final, that too maiden in the quarterfinal match by saving two points against Mariano Navone.
Fonseca with either face Francisco Cerundolo the number two Alexander Zverev, or Spaniard Pedro Martinez in Sunday’s final match. And if he wins, he will be emulating Alcaraz, who also won at 18 when he won the maiden ATP tour title at Umag in 2021.