Carlos Alcaraz channels Luka Doncic “magic” in Joao Fonseca win

MIAMI,Fla.—Carlos Alcaraz borrowed a bit of Luka Doncic “magic” in his victory over Joao Fonseca at the Miami Open.

The world No. 1 was in the stands on Thursday evening as the L.A. Lakers defeated the Miami Heat 134–126, with Doncic delivering a standout 60-point performance. Alcaraz watched courtside at Kaseya Center and later met the Serbian star, with photos and videos of their interaction quickly circulating on social media.

Read More: Carlos Alcaraz rises to the occasion in hyped Miami Open second round against Joao Fonseca

"I'm really lucky to witness what he did last night, making history in the Lakers. Making history almost every game he plays," Alcaraz told press in Miami.

On court, Alcaraz carried that energy into a composed 6-4, 6-4 win over Fonseca in a highly anticipated second-round clash. Afterward, he joked that he may have taken some inspiration from the NBA superstar.

Q. You’ve won this tournament and been successful (here), but does it bring you more inspiration witnessing Luka last night?

CARLOS ALCARAZ: Well, I guess I just took his magic from last night (smiling).

I mean, I won't say I get inspiration coming to a tournament—but I do admire a lot that I'm really lucky to witness what he did last night, making history in the Lakers. Making history almost every game he plays.

I just got great admiration from those players, and I was able to talk a little bit with him. So I just hopefully got, as I say, I got that magic from him and hopefully it’s going to show up in this tournament.

So far, so good for Alcaraz. He dazzled fans at Hard Rock Stadium—the majority clad in yellow and green and backing Fonseca—delivering a composed performance under pressure.

Read More: Lesson Learned: Tournament director says Joao Fonseca “needs to be on Stadium” in Miami

“I would like to say it wasn't against me. It was supporting him,” Alcaraz said of the Brazilian fans’ loud cheering. “I think that's a big difference… I would say they were respectful most of the match, just supporting him when they have to.”

He added that he “didn’t want to silence anybody” either.

“I wanted to just do my stuff, do my job and try to play my best, because I know Joao and what he’s able to do in a tennis court…

“I just tried to be focused, try not to hear anything from the crowd, and just going forward all the time. I’m just proud that I was able to do it.

“But at the same time, I just had so much fun with such a great atmosphere out there.”

The Spaniard will face No. 32 seed Sebastian Korda in the third round.

He is bidding to win his second title in Miami, having lifted his first ATP Masters 1000 trophy here in 2022.