Joao Fonseca joins illustrious list led by Rafael Nadal as breakout season continues with place in Argentina Open final

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Joao Fonseca became one of the youngest ATP Tour finalists in history when he beat Serbian Laslo Djere 7-6(3), 5-7, 6-1 to advance to the Argentina Open final. Fonseca will take on fifth seed and home favourite Francisco Cerundolo in Sunday's showpiece. Fonseca is the 10th-youngest ATP Tour finalist since 2000, and the youngest South American ATP Tour finalist since an 18-year-old Jose Acasuso.

Joao Fonseca

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Joao Fonseca became one of the youngest ATP finalists in history on Saturday when he advanced to the Argentina Open final.

The 18-year-old dispatched Serbian Laslo Djere 7-6(3), 5-7, 6-1 in a dramatic semi-final in Buenos Aires.

"Really special," Fonseca said after claiming victory. "Today was really difficult, against a really good player.

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"He went through qualies, so he's playing amazing tennis. We already knew how Laslo can play; he won an ATP 500 [in 2019].

"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."

At 18 years and five months, the Brazilian is the tenth-youngest ATP Tour finalist since 2000, and the youngest South American ATP Tour finalist since former World No. 20 Argentine Jose Acasuso in 2001.

A 17-year-old Rafael Nadal is the youngest ATP Tour finalist since the turn of the millennium.

Fonseca will take on fifth seed Francisco Cerundolo in Sunday's Argentina Open final.

'The next Alcaraz'?

Last month, Eurosport's John McEnroe backed Fonseca to become "the next Carlos Alcaraz" after the Brazilian qualifier announced himself with a first-round victory over world No. 9 Andrey Rublev at the Australian Open.

"He’s totally composed, and he’s physically - at 18 years old - he looks as strong as an ox already. Mentally, he looks really tough.

"When I look at him, I look at the next Carlos Alcaraz. I can’t believe how good this guy is already.

"I expect big things from [Jakub] Mensik also. Not as big as Fonseca, but that guy is the real deal too. Those are two guys that I would be shocked if they were not in the top 10 in the next couple of years."

'Massive star of the future' Fonseca 'will be top 10 for sure'

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"He’s 18 years old," McEnroe continued. "He’s hit the hardest forehand in the tournament already, so we don’t have to worry about that. He hit a couple of sweet two-handers.

"He looks pretty skilled at the net. He looks like he’s physically fit and mentally tough. The serve looks good.

"He just needs some seasoning. I’m not sure there’s a whole lot he needs to work on, just point him on the right path, pat him on the back.

"Do your thing, buddy, because you’re going to be the man soon!"