World No 1 Carlos Alcaraz defeated Joao Fonseca in their first-ever meeting at the Miami Invitational, an exhibition staged inside loanDepot Park, home of the Miami Marlins baseball team. The Spaniard prevailed 7-5, 2-6, 10-8 against the rising Brazilian star in front of 14,108 spectators. The match thrilled the crowd as Alcaraz fought back from a 0-5 deficit in the deciding tiebreak to secure victory. Just a day earlier, Alcaraz had fallen to Frances Tiafoe at another exhibition event in New Jersey.
Praise before the match
Ahead of the contest, Alcaraz spoke about Fonseca’s rapid rise and the unusual setting. “Joao entered the tour with a lot of force, he has a great game, and it should be a very entertaining match,” he said. He also reflected on the novelty of playing in a baseball stadium. “This is my first time playing in a baseball stadium or even being in a baseball stadium. It’s incredible to play here and help bring tennis to new places and new people. I just expect that the people are going to get entertained by watching us play. I’m really excited about playing here with Joao.”
Fonseca’s reaction
Fonseca admitted his surprise at the transformation of the venue. “For me, it’s crazy. I was here three weeks ago and there was nothing set up yet and I was like, ‘How are you going to put a court here?’ I’ve never watched a baseball match ever, so maybe in the future I will. The Brazilian fans in Miami are coming for sure, so it will be fun.”
Post-match reflections
After the match, both players shared their thoughts in a joint interview. Alcaraz described the occasion as memorable. “Well, it was really, really special playing with Joao. I haven’t ever played against him, so this was the first time, in this beautiful scenario. Never played in a baseball stadium before. So it was really special coming back to Miami in front of these amazing people that bring always a great energy. It was a great opportunity and a special moment.”
Fonseca responded with humor and respect. “Yeah, I almost got it guys. It’s tough, he has a little bit of skill and the guy is good, the guy is really good. It’s a pleasure being here, it’s a pleasure playing against Carlos. Very thankful for Carlos, and congratulations.”The exhibition highlighted the growing popularity of tennis in unconventional venues and showcased the charisma of two players at different stages of their careers. Alcaraz, already a six-time major champion, continues to expand his global appeal, while Fonseca’s rise signals the arrival of a new generation eager to challenge the sport’s elite.
Carlos Alcaraz in 2025
At the moment ranked no.1, Alcaraz played his last match on the 16th of November when he capitulated to world no.2 Jannik Sinner 7-6(4) 7-5 in the final in the Nitto ATP Finals (draw).
At present, during this year the Spaniard achieved a 71-9 match record. Carlos has won 8 titles in 2025 in Rotterdam, Monte-Carlo, Rome, French Open, London, Cincinnati, U.S. Open and Tokyo. Alcaraz reached the final in Barcelona, Wimbledon and the Nitto ATP Finals.
Joao Fonseca in 2025
At the moment ranked no.24 (career-high), Joao played his last match on the 29th of October when he capitulated to world no.18 Karen Khachanov 6-1 3-6 6-3 in the 2nd round in Paris (draw).
This season Fonseca has achieved a composed 39-17 win-loss record. The Brazilian clinched 4 titles in 2025 in the Canberra Challenger, Buenos Aires, the Phoenix Challenger and Basel.
Carlos Alcaraz and Joao Fonseca have never played each other.