Australian Open 2025: John McEnroe tells 'next Carlos Alcaraz' Joao Fonseca he'll 'be the man soon'

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Eurosport expert John McEnroe has backed Joao Fonseca to become "the next Carlos Alcaraz" after the Brazilian exploded onto the Grand Slam scene with a stunning first-round victory over ninth seed Andrey Rublev at the Australian Open. Fonseca, the 18-year-old Brazilian, beat the Russian in straight sets at Margaret Court Arena, and earned himself a meeting with Lorenzo Sonego in round two.

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Eurosport expert John McEnroe has billed Joao Fonseca as "the next Carlos Alcaraz" after the Brazilian stunned Andrey Rublev at the Australian Open.

Fonseca, just 18 years of age, shocked the ninth seed at Melbourne Park on Tuesday in straight sets to earn the biggest win of his career - and on his Grand Slam debut.

He had amazed fellow Eurosport pundits Barbara Schett and Tim Henman with his performance, with both tipping him for the very top of the men’s game, but he caught McEnroe’s eye too.

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McEnroe, the seven-time Grand Slam champion, said that Fonseca could "be the man soon", and predicted him to break into the world’s top 10 within "the next couple of years".

Fonseca, the current ATP Next Gen champion, faces Italian Lorenzo Sonego in the second round, live on Eurosport and discovery+.

"I just heard about him in the last year or so," McEnroe said of Fonseca.

"I saw him in Riyadh when he played the Next Gen event. I was like, ‘Oh my god’.

"What really opened my eyes was that first round match against Rublev. The guy made Rublev look like he wasn’t hitting a big ball.

"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.

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"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."

McEnroe was amazed at the complete nature of Fonseca’s game, but mentioned that the youngster needed "seasoning" and to be pointed "on the right path" to make it to the very top of the rankings.

"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.

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Video credit: TNT Sports

"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 can’t believe how good this guy is already. 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!"

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