Teen star Fonseca sets up Madrid showdown with Tommy Paul
Teen sensation Joao Fonseca beat qualifier Elmer Moller in straight sets to open his 2025 Madrid Open campaign on Thursday and set a blockbuster second-round clash against No.11 seed Tommy Paul.
The Brazilian tennis player has had an impressive start to the season, knocking out No.9 seed Andrey Rublev at the Australian Open before claiming his maiden title in Argentina and winning the Phoenix Challenger.
Despite being just 19 years old and ranked outside the world’s top 50, tennis bookmakers price Fonseca on the fifth line of betting ($19) to win the Madrid Open.
Against Moller, his weapons were on full display as he rocked down five aces and 16 winners to prevail in just an hour and 13 minutes, 6-2, 6-3.
“I love playing on clay,” Fonseca said after the match.
“I was born on the clay, so I like to play on it, even with altitude.
“I like to focus on my serves and play aggressive, so feeling good this week.
“Very happy with this win today.”
Leading betting sites are pricing the Brazilian as a $1.50 favourite to win his second-round clash against Paul, but Fonseca is wary of the American’s experience on the surface.
“I know that he likes to play on clay,” he said.
“I know it’s going to be a difficult match.
“I already practiced with him once, it was here in Madrid, and last year.
“Yeah, excited for the match, I know it’s going to be difficult.
“Tomorrow I’ll prepare, think about the match, focus on the training, talk to my team about the strategy, and go for it on Saturday.”
Unlike Fonseca, the two other teens in action at the Madrid Open on Thursday were unable to advance to the second round.
Spainard Martin Landaluce took on Cameron Norrie and feel 6-4 in the third, while Learner Tien pushed compatriot Marcos Giron to a deciding set tiebreak but fell short.