Sports · Tennis · 19 hrs ago
Wawrinka backs João Fonseca to challenge Sinner and Alcaraz
Stan Wawrinka has tipped João Fonseca as a future challenger to Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
The Brazilian is ranked 46th in the world and has won two ATP Tour titles.
Fonseca reached his first Grand Slam quarterfinal at Roland Garros this year, beating Novak Djokovic and Casper Ruud along the way.
He has also faced Sinner and Alcaraz in tournament matches, but lost to both in straight sets.
Wawrinka, who retired in 2026, said Fonseca’s power, personality and comfort on the big stage set him apart.
Fonseca will meet Alcaraz in an exhibition match in Brazil on December 12, after losing their first exhibition meeting in Miami.
The match gives Fonseca another chance to play Alcaraz, though it is an exhibition rather than a tour event.
Stan Wawrinka says João Fonseca has the qualities to challenge Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
Wawrinka praised the Brazilian’s power, personality and comfort on the big stage.
Fonseca reached his first Grand Slam quarterfinal at the 2026 French Open and is ranked world No. 46.
He lost to Sinner and Alcaraz in straight sets in their meetings this year.
Fonseca is scheduled to play Alcaraz in an exhibition match in Brazil on December 12.
- Who
- Stan Wawrinka backed Brazilian player João Fonseca.
- What
- Wawrinka said Fonseca could challenge Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
- When
- Wawrinka made the comments in an interview reported on November 9, 2026.
- Where
- The interview was with La Gazzetta. Fonseca is scheduled to play Alcaraz in Brazil.
- Why
- Wawrinka said Fonseca has special qualities, including power, personality and an ability to enjoy the big stage.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Fonseca won the Argentina Open and the Swiss Indoors.
Fonseca and Alcaraz met at an exhibition in Miami, where Alcaraz won 7-5, 2-6, 10-8.
Fonseca reached his first Grand Slam quarterfinal at Roland Garros.
Fonseca lost to Alcaraz at the Miami Open and to Sinner at Indian Wells, both in straight sets.
Fonseca and Alcaraz are scheduled to play an exhibition match in Brazil.
- Wawrinka's pick
- João Fonseca
- Fonseca's ranking
- World No. 46
- Grand Slam best
- 2026 Roland Garros quarterfinal
- ATP Tour titles
- Two, including the 2025 Argentina Open and Swiss Indoors
- Scheduled exhibition
- Fonseca vs. Alcaraz, Brazil, December 12, 2026
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What people are saying
Joao Fonseca has something special: his power, his personality, the way he knows how to enjoy the big stage
As for me, I see myself more in those players who mature late, who play powerful and aggressive tennis. It’s not written anywhere that you have to be a champion at 20. Sometimes it takes time to gain self-confidence, and that was the case for me too.