ATP 250 Argentina Open. By Leo Canaparo
Joao Fonseca has become the new champion of the Argentina Open. The 18-year-old Brazilian defeated Francisco Cerúndolo and claimed his first ATP title on the clay courts of Buenos Aires. As a result, his ranking, which already placed him within the Top 100, will see a significant rise.
The Argentina Open final, the most prestigious tennis tournament in the country, featured an Argentina-Brazil showdown that ended with the 18-year-old diamond in the rough, Joao Fonseca, lifting the trophy. In his first ATP-level final—an arena he is expected to frequent—Fonseca triumphed 6-4, 7-5 over local No. 1 Francisco Cerúndolo (ranked 28th; formerly 19th).
“Winning my first title is a dream, but I still aim higher,” Fonseca said just minutes after his victory. “It’s tough to play here, but I felt great with the Argentine fans and also with my Brazilian supporters,” added Fonseca with a broad smile. He has now become the 10th youngest champion in ATP Tour history. The reigning Next Gen ATP Finals champion, presented by PIF, will rise to No. 68 in the PIF ATP Rankings on Monday, the highest position of his career.
Starting this Monday, Fonseca, who secured the first of many titles he is bound to collect in Buenos Aires, will break a new barrier: at just 18 years old, he will become Brazil’s top-ranked player on the ATP Tour, surpassing his compatriot Thiago Seyboth Wild. “I want to win Grand Slams and be world No. 1,” he stated. He will be ranked 68th in the world, but there is no doubt—the top spot awaits his climb.