Joao Fonseca’s Tennis Journey: Balancing Sport, Reading, and Family Values

Exploring the Unique Path of Brazilian Tennis Star Joao Fonseca 🎾

May 30, 2025

Joao Fonseca’s tennis journey has reached a new milestone as he advances to the third round of a major tournament for the first time. For many teenagers, reducing screen time in favor of reading might seem unconventional, but it has been pivotal for Fonseca. His success story combines the impact of reading on athletes, a strong family foundation, and the distinctive Guilherme Teixeira coaching style.

The Influence of Guilherme Teixeira on Joao Fonseca’s Tennis Journey

A significant influence in Joao Fonseca’s tennis journey has been his coach, Guilherme Teixeira. Teixeira not only shapes Fonseca’s game on the court but also influences his habits off it. “He’s not a fan of phones,” Fonseca shared with ATPTour.com earlier this year, smiling. “When I was younger, I didn’t read much, so he introduced me to books. Now, I’m making an effort to read more, though not as much as he does. It’s not about reading every week but about spending less time on the phone. When you have downtime, instead of looking at your phone, read a book to learn something new.”

Reading: A Key Element in Joao Fonseca’s Tennis Journey

At just 18, Joao Fonseca has advanced to the third round at Roland Garros, a significant achievement in his tennis journey. He particularly enjoyed Andre Agassi’s autobiography, “Open.” Fonseca and Agassi met briefly at an ATP Challenger Tour event in Phoenix, where Agassi performed the honorary coin toss before Fonseca’s quarter-final match. Fonseca went on to win the title, his third at the Challenger level. Most importantly, Fonseca gravitates toward biographies for young athletes, with his next read being “My Greatest Fear,” the story of former Brazilian footballer Adriano Imperador, a book Teixeira has also read.

Tennis Player Family Values: A Cornerstone of Fonseca’s Approach

Books are not the only source of relaxation for Fonseca. He enjoys playing video games and cherishes time with his family, especially his grandfather, Christiano. “My grandfather is the one I love to visit when I’m in Rio,” Fonseca said. “He’s always thrilled when I come over, which is just two minutes from my house. We play cards together with my cousins. Sometimes we all gather at his house just to play cards, and he loves it. He’s always curious about my life on tour.” Family values play an essential role in Fonseca’s life and career.

Joao Fonseca: Rising Star with Deep-Rooted Family Values

Joao Fonseca is gaining attention as he climbs the rankings, now at No. 54 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings, surpassing his career high. He won his first tour-level title in Buenos Aires, making him the youngest South American to achieve this in the ATP Tour era. Despite his growing fame and over a million Instagram followers, he remains grounded. “I’m young and doing well, but to achieve my dreams, I need to focus on my routine and daily tasks,” Fonseca stated. “I concentrate on what I need to do with my team and family.”

Family remains a cornerstone of Fonseca’s life. After defeating Pierre-Hugues Herbert in Paris, Fonseca was emotional during his post-match interview, with his family present to share the moment. “It was overwhelming, reaching the third round. It’s like a dream,” Fonseca said. “Seeing my grandmother on the court, crying, was special. It was my mom’s birthday, making it even more meaningful.”

Looking Ahead: The Next Challenge in Joao Fonseca’s Tennis Journey

Fonseca is set to face fifth seed Jack Draper next. Draper defeated Fonseca 6-4, 6-0 in their previous encounter at Indian Wells, where Draper went on to win the title. “Jack’s a great guy. He’s always friendly,” Fonseca remarked. “He’s been playing incredibly well these past two years. It’s going to be exciting to play against him in the third round.” 🌟

Discover more about how reading impacts athletes like Joao Fonseca by exploring Rafael Nadal’s book club and how it shapes their lives and careers. 📚