Joao Fonseca ended a dream week at the Argentina Open by defeating home-town hero Francisco Cerundolo, 6:4, 7:6 to capture his first-ever ATP Tour Title.
Playing in his first-ever ATP Tour final, Fonseca had the backing of an energized crowd, who were mesmerized by the 18-year-old Brazilian's talent and shots. Trading breaks in the first two games, it was a scratchy beginning before Fonseca settled in, winning another break and ultimately pocketing the first set 6:4.
In the second set, Fonseca broke again to lead 3:2 and extended his lead to 5:3, but Cerundolo had other plans, playing his way back into the match and forcing a tie-break. Fonseca stormed through the tie-break, winning it 7-1 and celebrating his first ATP Tour Title. Simultaneously, he also became the first man born in 2006 or later to in an ATP Tour title and the youngest Brazilian to win an ATP title in the Open Era. He is also the fourth-youngest player from anywhere to win an ATP title this century.
On his way to the final, Fonseca, who has now become the lowest-ranked champion ever in the Argentina Open history, beating T. Etcheverry (44) 6:3, 6:3, F. Coria (115) 2:6, 6:4, 6:2, M. Navone (47) 3:6, 6:4, 7:5 and L. Djere (112) 7:6, 5:7, 6:1.
Speaking about the support in his on-court interview, Fonseca said:
“Even in Argentina, there are Brazilians cheering for me. That’s amazing. What I’m living is just unbelievable. I want to thank my friends and sponsors for helping me achieve my dream - to just play tennis.”João Fonseca
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