Brazilian tennis experienced another historic moment at Roland Garros. This Sunday (31), João Fonseca, from Ipanema, just 19 years old, defeated Norwegian Casper Ruud by 3 sets to 1, with partial scores of 7/5, 7/6 (10/8), 5/7 and 6/2, guaranteeing a place in the quarterfinals of the French Grand Slam, one of the four main tournaments in world tennis. The result ends a 22-year drought without a Brazilian among the top eight in the men's tournament, since Gustavo Kuerten's campaign in 2004.
The qualification gains even more symbolic significance due to Guga being present on the Philippe-Chatrier court, watching the young Rio native's performance. Facing one of the circuit's leading clay court specialists, a two-time runner-up in Paris, Fonseca demonstrated maturity, emotional control, and a high level of technical skill to advance in the competition.
A solid performance against an experienced opponent.
Unlike previous rounds, when he had to come from behind after losing the first sets, João Fonseca started the match imposing his rhythm. With aggressive and consistent shots on both sides of the court, the Brazilian managed to control a good portion of the action against Ruud.
The first set was decided only in the 12th game. After wasting break opportunities during the set, Fonseca maintained his concentration and managed to gain the necessary advantage to close it out 7-5.
In the second set, the match became even more balanced. Ruud raised the level of his serve and began to put more pressure on at the net, taking the decision to a tie-break. In a thrilling tie-break, with chances for both players, the Brazilian prevailed 10-8 and opened up a two-set lead.
The partial victory put Fonseca in a comfortable position, but the Norwegian's experience would still turn the confrontation into an intense battle.
Ruud reacts, but the Brazilian maintains control of the game.
In the third set, Casper Ruud managed to react. Taking advantage of a slight drop in intensity from his opponent, the Norwegian increased the pressure and won 7-5, reigniting the fight for the spot.
João Fonseca's response, however, was immediate. Demonstrating unusual personality and maturity for his age, the Brazilian regained control of the match in the fourth set. With two service breaks and a dominant performance in the decisive moments, he managed the advantage until closing out the set 6-2.
After the match, Fonseca highlighted the difficulty of the challenge against one of the leading names in world clay court tennis.
"He is a very experienced player and knows how to play here. He has two finals under his belt, so it was difficult," he stated.
Gustavo Kuerten witnesses historic moment in Paris.
In addition to achieving an unprecedented qualification for his career, João Fonseca received special encouragement from the stands. Gustavo Kuerten, three-time Roland Garros champion and the greatest name in the history of Brazilian tennis, watched the match closely.
The young tennis player made a point of thanking his idol for being there after the victory.
"It was my first time here when I competed in the junior tournament. It's a pleasure to have Guga watching and to beat such a tough opponent in front of him," he declared.
The atmosphere in Paris was also special. While the match was taking place, Paris Saint-Germain fans celebrated winning the UEFA Champions League near the stadium complex, creating a festive scene that was reflected both inside and outside the stadium.
With the Philippe-Chatrier arena packed, Fonseca lived up to expectations and delivered one of the biggest wins of his young career.
The next challenge will be against Jakub Mensik.
Now, the Brazilian is on his quest for an even more historic campaign. In the quarterfinals, João Fonseca will face Czech player Jakub Mensik, currently ranked number 27 in the world and champion of the Miami Masters 1000 in 2025.
Mensik secured his spot after defeating Russian Andrey Rublev in a match played over five sets.
With this qualification, Fonseca becomes only the second Brazilian teenager to reach the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam. The first was Thomaz Koch, in 1963.
Despite the natural physical strain of advancing to the second week of a Grand Slam for the first time, the Rio native demonstrated confidence for the remainder of the tournament.
"I'm tired. It's always a first time for me. It's a new experience. But everything is fine," he said.
At the end of the match, addressing the Brazilian fans present in Paris, he left a message that sums up the current state of Brazilian tennis:
"The dream is not over."
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