Teenage sensation has taken the tennis world by storm this season. The Brazilian took out a top-10 seed on his Grand Slam debut and followed it up by winning his first title in Buenos Aires. Now, he's eyeing a showdown with Novak Djokovic.
The world No. 65 has already put himself on Djokovic's radar. The 24-time Grand Slam champion has lauded praise on Fonseca and his rise. But, while other up-and-comers would rather avoid Djokovic at the biggest tournaments, Fonseca is all-in on a blockbuster first-round meeting at the French Open.
Fonseca enjoys a challenge. The 18-year-old qualified for his first Grand Slam main draw at the Australian Open back in January and stunned No. 9 seed Andrey Rublev in straight sets.
A few weeks later, Fonseca claimed his first ATP Tour title at the Argentina Open, and he's also collected two Challenger trophies this season.
The Brazilian hit a career-high ranking of No. 59 earlier this year and now sits at No. 65, meaning he can claim direct entry into the Grand Slam tournaments, including next month's French Open.
Fonseca is hoping for another huge test in his next Major appearance, facing Djokovic. The teenager grew up watching the Serb dominate the sport, and he now enters every tournament hoping they will meet in the first round.
"When we start these biggest tournaments, the Grand Slams, the qualies, I always tell my coach, 'If I go to the main draw, I want to play Djokovic', because it's probably one of the last times. I hope I can play him," he told .
"I'd love to face Djokovic first, second round. I'd try to play my best tennis, the result wouldn't matter, I'd just enjoy it."
Djokovic has 24 Major trophies under his belt, three of which came at the French Open, and plenty of players wouldn't want to face him early in one of the biggest tournaments. But Fonseca thrives against top opponents.
He added: "I like to play the top seeds, I like the challenge. I play with no pressure, so I think I can play well there.
"I like to play with the crowd also, so it's an experience I want to have. Some players will want to play 'easier' first, but I want to play the iconic ones."
Djokovic would also likely relish a chance to play the 18-year-old while their paths can still cross. During last month's Miami Open, the tennis legend admitted he'd been impressed with Fonseca.
"He's been [the] talk of the tour in the last several months. I mean, deservedly so," Djokovic said.
"He's a very good tennis player. I mean, so young. Just incredible firepower from both ends of the baseline, serve. He's a very complete player."
Before he can think about the French Open, Fonseca is currently getting some reps in on the clay at the Madrid Open. He faces another young star, qualifier Elmer Moller, in the first round on Thursday.
