Miami Open: Joao Fonseca Battles Past Learner Tien in Thrilling Debut
Fonseca, 18, overcomes dizziness and cramps in a hard-fought three-set victory. Next up: Ugo Humbert.
March 21, 2025
Peter Staples/ATP Tour
Joao Fonseca rallies from a set down to defeat Learner Tien in the opening round of the Miami Open presented by Itau.
By ATP staff
Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca overcame illness and a tough challenge from American Learner Tien to win his Miami Open debut in a captivating first-round match. Fonseca prevailed 6-7(1), 6-3, 6-4, after two hours and 23 minutes of intense play at Hard Rock Stadium.
Fonseca Endures Physical Test, Shows Promise
Supported by a vocal Brazilian crowd, Fonseca rallied from a set down, battling through apparent dizziness and a late-match cramp to secure the victory. Despite the physical setbacks, the 18-year-old displayed resilience and powerful shot-making, notably with his forehand.
Dramatic Moments Define Opening Round Clash
The match featured several dramatic twists. Fonseca, leading 3-2 in the final set, called for a doctor due to dizziness. After a six-minute break,he returned to the court. Later, he appeared to cramp near the finish line but managed to close out the match.
“I knew it was going to be a difficult match,” Fonseca said. “I knew Learner was going to fight until the end. He’s a great fighter… So I needed to go until the end and I just went to it hard, and the Brazilian crowd was with me today.” Fonseca jokingly signed the camera lens, ‘Am I in Brazil?’ reflecting the strong support he felt.
Statistical Highlights
Fonseca demonstrated an aggressive net game, winning 22 of 31 net points. He also fired 43 winners, with 27 coming off his forehand—a weapon he acknowledges focusing on improving, striving for both aggression and consistency.
Youngest Matchup Since 2016
This encounter marked the youngest main-draw match at the miami Open since 2016, when Alexander Zverev defeated Michael Mmoh, both also aged 18. Fonseca’s win improves his record against Tien to 3-0,including two victories at the 2024 next Gen ATP Finals.
Fonseca’s rise and Next Opponent
Fonseca entered the Miami Open at a career-high ranking of No. 60, boosted by a recent title at the ATP Challenger Tour 175 event in Phoenix and his first tour-level title in Buenos Aires. He will now face 19th seed Ugo Humbert in the next round.
Other Notable Results
- Jakub mensik defeated Roberto Bautista Agut 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, with 23 aces.
- Italians Lorenzo Sonego, Matteo Arnaldi, and Luciano Darderi also advanced.
- wild card Coleman Wong defeated Daniel Altmaier and will face Ben Shelton next.
- Roman safiullin defeated Jenson Brooksby.
Here are two PAA related questions based on teh provided text:
Miami Open: Joao Fonseca Battles Past Learner Tien in Thrilling Debut
Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca overcame illness adn a tough challenge from American Learner Tien to win his Miami Open debut in a captivating first-round match. Fonseca prevailed 6-7(1), 6-3, 6-4, after two hours and 23 minutes of intense play at Hard Rock Stadium.
Fonseca Endures Physical Test, Shows Promise
Supported by a vocal Brazilian crowd, Fonseca rallied from a set down, battling through apparent dizziness and a late-match cramp to secure the victory. Despite the physical setbacks, the 18-year-old displayed resilience and powerful shot-making, notably with his forehand.
Dramatic Moments Define Opening Round Clash
The match featured several dramatic twists. Fonseca, leading 3-2 in the final set, called for a doctor due to dizziness. After a six-minute break,he returned to the court. Later, he appeared to cramp near the finish line but managed to close out the match.
“I knew it was going to be a tough match,” Fonseca said. “I knew Learner was going to fight until the end. He’s a great fighter… So I needed to go until the end and I just went to it hard, and the Brazilian crowd was with me today.” Fonseca jokingly signed the camera lens, ‘Am I in Brazil?’ reflecting the strong support he felt.
Statistical Highlights
Fonseca demonstrated an aggressive net game, winning 22 of 31 net points. He also fired 43 winners, with 27 coming off his forehand—a weapon he acknowledges focusing on improving, striving for both aggression and consistency.
Youngest Matchup As 2016
This encounter marked the youngest main-draw match at the miami Open since 2016, when Alexander Zverev defeated Michael Mmoh, both also aged 18. Fonseca’s win improves his record against Tien to 3-0,including two victories at the 2024 next Gen ATP Finals.
Fonseca’s rise and Next Opponent
Fonseca entered the Miami Open at a career-high ranking of No. 60,boosted by a recent title at the ATP Challenger Tour 175 event in phoenix and his first tour-level title in Buenos Aires. He will now face 19th seed Ugo humbert in the next round.
Other Notable Results
- Jakub mensik defeated Roberto Bautista Agut 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, with 23 aces.
- Italians Lorenzo Sonego, Matteo Arnaldi, and Luciano Darderi also advanced.
- wild card Coleman Wong defeated Daniel Altmaier and will face Ben Shelton next.
- Roman safiullin defeated Jenson Brooksby.
Q&A: Decoding Fonseca’s Miami Open Debut
Who is Joao fonseca?
Joao Fonseca is an 18-year-old Brazilian tennis player making waves on the ATP tour. He’s known for his powerful forehand and aggressive net play. He also won the junior US Open in 2023.
What were the key challenges Fonseca faced in his match against Tien?
Fonseca battled dizziness, a late-match cramp, and a strong performance from his opponent. He also had to overcome going down a set.
How significant was the win against Learner Tien?
This win was significant because it marked Fonseca’s debut at the Miami Open and improved his head-to-head record against Tien to 3-0. It also demonstrated his resilience under pressure.
What is Fonseca’s current ATP ranking?
Fonseca entered the Miami Open at a career-high ranking of No. 60.
Who is Fonseca’s next opponent?
Fonseca will face 19th seed ugo Humbert in the next round. This will be a tough test, as Humbert is a seasoned player.
what are some quick facts about the Miami Open?
- The Miami Open is a prestigious Masters 1000 event.
- It’s held at Hard Rock Stadium.
- The tournament attracts top players from around the world.
Fonseca’s Miami Open debut was a thrilling showcase of his talent and determination. Keep an eye on this rising star as he continues his journey in the tournament.
