Joao Fonseca's level at the Cincinnati Masters 1000 was quite satisfactory and took him all the way to the third round, but it is clear to everyone that he still needs to improve several aspects of his game to get closer to the Top 20 of the ATP rankings as several former players had predicted at the beginning of the year.
The young Brazilian star defeated world number 71 Yunchaokete Bu in the first round and had a lot of luck against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the second round, considering that the Spanish ace was ahead by a set and two breaks before having a problem that forced him to retire.
Fonseca is one of tennis main stars
The South American tennis player had an excellent chance against Terence Atmane in the third round, considering that the world number 136 was coming from qualifying and did not seem an impossible opponent for Joao. However, the French ace coming from qualifying and author of an excellent run in Ohio was superior to Fonseca from start to finish and qualified for the round of 16 (where he did a great feat against No. 4 seed Taylor Fritz, becoming the fourth lowest-ranked player to reach the quarterfinals in this tournament).
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On the latest edition of 'The Tennis Podcast', Matt Roberts analyzed Joao's run in Cincy in detail: Hes clearly talented, he began. But what was striking here was Fonseca was a passenger. Like, he was being bossed around.
And I think if I had to pinpoint one thing, theres lots of things, but his return. Its really, really below par, I think, especially off second serve.
He doesnt really know how to step back or to come in; he just looked totally lost trying to return serve at the moment.
Joao's next goal is the US Open - the last Grand Slam of the season - scheduled in New York from August 24 to September 7. Fonseca will have the necessary time to get used to the conditions at Flushing Meadows and try to get a surprising result.
