João Fonseca, the rising star of Brazilian tennis, experienced a surreal moment ahead of his debut at the Laver Cup. The young athlete met his lifelong idol, Roger Federer, in what he described as one of the most emotional moments of his career. The meeting took place during the team’s preparations, and Fonseca couldn’t hide his excitement—or his nerves.
Nervous Energy and Sweaty Palms
Speaking candidly about the encounter, Fonseca admitted he was “sweating and shaking” when he saw Federer walk into the room. Despite being surrounded by other tennis legends, it was Federer’s presence that overwhelmed him. “I was trying to stay cool, but my hands were sweating like crazy,” he said with a laugh. The pressure of performing at the Laver Cup was already intense, and meeting Federer added another layer of adrenaline.
Federer’s Warm Welcome
Federer, known for his grace both on and off the court, greeted Fonseca with warmth and encouragement. The Swiss icon shared a few words of advice, reminding the young player to enjoy the moment and trust his game. Fonseca later said that Federer’s kindness helped calm his nerves and made him feel more confident heading into the tournament.
A Moment to Remember
For Fonseca, the meeting wasn’t just about fanfare—it was a powerful experience that marked a new chapter in his journey. As he prepares to compete alongside and against some of the sport’s greatest names, the memory of shaking hands with Federer will stay with him. It was a lovely moment, one that captured the magic of sport and the dreams it can fulfill.
Joao Fonseca in 2025
Ranked world no.42 (career-high), Joao played his last match on the 17th of September when he capitulated to world no.22 Tomas Machac 7-6(4) 6-2 6-3 in the 2nd round of the U.S. Open (draw).
Currently, during this season Joao owns an overall 33-15 win-loss record. Joao clinched 3 titles in 2025 in the Canberra Challenger, Buenos Aires and the Phoenix Challenger.