Fun-seca Brings A Little Carnival To The Mediterranean

It’s a little bit of Carnival on the Mediterranean.

Brazilian fans seem to turn out for 19-year-old Joao Fonseca no matter where he is playing. And it’s no different this week at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters, where the wunderkind has been enjoying loud support from his countrymen and women.

It made for an energetic affair today on Court des Princes, where Brazilian voices were matched by those of French fans supporting Arthur Rinderknech against Fonseca, creating a lively, back-and-forth atmosphere that rarely dipped in intensity.

Fonseca, who has quickly become a fan favourite wherever he goes, said the energy from the stands has been impossible to ignore.

“Well, I’d say there are Brazilians everywhere, and yes, Brazilians are loud,” he said after his 7-5, 4-6, 6-3 win over Rinderknech. “Even 10 Brazilians can make a lot of noise. It’s loud, it’s fun.

“Today the atmosphere was great — between the French crowd and the Brazilian crowd, it was a really good vibe.

“I think fan support, crowd support, is really important. For me, it’s really good. I think the atmosphere in tennis is great. It helps players when things are difficult or when things are going well, to stay focused.

“For example today, the third set was difficult, and the crowd helped me stay positive and stay in the match. I’m very happy that in Brazil tennis is growing more and more, and that Brazilian fans are getting more and more interested in tennis.”

That support is sure to continue in Fonseca’s next match, when he faces Italian Matteo Berrettini, who will bring plenty of backing of his own.

“I think it will be similar to today,” Fonseca said. “There are also a lot of Italians. I see Brazilian flags, Brazilian shirts, and people supporting us.

“The atmosphere was great today, and I think it will be the same tomorrow.”