Joao Fonseca channels idol Roger Federer, keeps it simple at Wimbledon

For all the times he’s been called The Next Big Thing, Joao Fonseca would be forgiven for having a big head. Instead, the starstruck teenager is staying humble in his Wimbledon debut and the result is a second straight run into the third round of a major tournament.

WATCH: 18-year-old Joao Fonseca roars into Wimbledon third round

“It’s a just a dream being here,” Fonseca said in his visit to the Tennis Channel Live Desk on Wednesday. “Here at Wimbledon, everything is super cool. Since I was a kid, I was dreaming of coming here and now I’m in the third round. I was just realizing what I did and it was super nice. I’m proud of myself with the way that I played.”

At 18 years old, Fonseca is arguably still a kid but playing some very grown-up tennis at the All England Club, where he has dropped just one set in in two matches.

“I know that I’m supposed to be the underdog, the teenager one,” Fonseca said after a four-set victory over American Jenson Brooksby. “But at the same time, I’ve increased my ranking, people are getting to know me more. They might have some fear of me because I’m playing some good tennis, making a good season.

“I’m just kind of learning every week. Every month has been a new experience: it’s my first time in Wimbledon; it’s my first time at Roland Garros. So, a lot of first times this year. I’m enjoying very much. This tour is just amazing. Playing the tournaments you watch on TV is just super cool. I’m living a dream this year, so I’m just liking every moment.”

Currently at a career-high ranking of No. 54, Fonseca is tentatively projected to make his Top 50 debut after Wimbledon thanks to back-to-back third-round results at Roland Garros and Wimbledon. Standing between the Brazilian and a spot in the second week is qualifier Nicolas Jarry, a former Top 20 player who opened the tournament with a five-set win over No. 8 seed Holger Rune.

“Every year, I’m leaning more how to play on grass,” reflected Fonseca. “This year has been the best. I’m doing better serves and knowing how to play on important points, being more solid. The ball doesn’t bounce very well, and it’s all very quick, so you need to focus all the time. It’s just cool playing on it. The first time I played on grass was in 2022. I played two years in juniors and last year I lost in the first round of qualies here. It’s my first time here playing main draw, and it’s just super nice. I’ve loved the experience and the opportunity of being here as a teenager. I’m lucky.”

As he grows in experience, Fonseca draws inspiration from Roger Federer, an eight-time champion at SW19 and co-founder of the Team8 agency that represents the youngster.

“He’s my idol, so before going to the grass season, I’ve been watching some highlights of him in Halle and here at Wimbledon. The way that he played so simply is just amazing. You think it’s easy to play like that but it’s not. It was good to inspire me how to play.

“Hopefully in the future, I can meet him!”

At this rate, the feeling is surely mutual.