Brazil's Fonseca sets sights on world top 15

Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca has set a target of breaking into the world's top 15 men's tennis players next year as he looks to build on his recent progress.

Joao Fonseca returns the ball during the men's singles first round match between Tristan Schoolkate of Australia and Joao Fonseca of Brazil at the 2025 National Bank Open tennis tournament in Toronto, Canada, July 28, 2025. (Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua)

The 19-year-old won two titles in 2025, his first full season on the ATP Tour, but said he sees that as a starting point.

"I intend to break into the world's top 15. It's bold, but I'm thinking big," Rio de Janeiro-born Fonseca told magazine Veja. "I will also be aiming for consistent results, without ups and downs."

Fonseca began this year ranked 113th but has jumped to No. 24 following wins in Buenos Aires (ATP 250) and Basel (ATP 500). His other 2025 highlights included reaching the third round at the French Open and Wimbledon.

He also spoke of some other new year's resolutions beyond tennis.

"In my free time, I want to learn Italian, take a poker course and manage my money," Fonseca said.

Brazil's only men's Grand Slam singles champion is Gustavo Kuerten, who won the French Open in 1997, 2000 and 2001.