2024 ATP General News

[mrzz]

I could not see an entire match, but from the highlight reels I can see a very notable addition to João Fonseca's game: his defense skills. Check highlights from his previous matches, you will see only furious winners. Now suddenly half of the plays in the videos you see him chasing ball after ball, sucking the life out of the adversary and then, boom, a winner when half a chance appears.

Another apparent addition to the repertoire is quite angled sidespins, both to break the rhythm and to move the opponent out position. Nothing out of this world, but a very nice addition to a game that sometimes could feel a bit too one dimensional.

If that pattern stays, watch out for that kid.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

I could not see an entire match, but from the highlight reels I can see a very notable addition to João Fonseca's game: his defense skills. Check highlights from his previous matches, you will see only furious winners. Now suddenly half of the plays in the videos you see him chasing ball after ball, sucking the life out of the adversary and then, boom, a winner when half a chance appears.

Another apparent addition to the repertoire is quite angled sidespins, both to break the rhythm and to move the opponent out position. Nothing out of this world, but a very nice addition to a game that sometimes could feel a bit too one dimensional.

If that pattern stays, watch out for that kid.

The video highlights you posted yesterday on Joao's match I could not view as it wasnt available to view where I am apparently, anyway I watched the whole match, it was a good win against Fils and he back it up again today against Tien, his fhand is impressive

 

[Moxie]

I could not see an entire match, but from the highlight reels I can see a very notable addition to João Fonseca's game: his defense skills. Check highlights from his previous matches, you will see only furious winners. Now suddenly half of the plays in the videos you see him chasing ball after ball, sucking the life out of the adversary and then, boom, a winner when half a chance appears.

Another apparent addition to the repertoire is quite angled sidespins, both to break the rhythm and to move the opponent out position. Nothing out of this world, but a very nice addition to a game that sometimes could feel a bit too one dimensional.

If that pattern stays, watch out for that kid.

Nice scouting report. I'll look for these improvements. He's just 21, so it bodes well. You must be happy, as he's a fellow Brazilian. I think El Dude is rather liking him, too. I'll be happy to root for him!

 

[El Dude]

His defense is what stood out for me, in that Fils match. I mean, he was getting to some crazy balls, all over the court. I didn't even notice his offense, but was watching for just a few minutes.

 

[mrzz]

His defense is what stood out for me, in that Fils match. I mean, he was getting to some crazy balls, all over the court. I didn't even notice his offense, but was watching for just a few minutes.

The offense is his natural ability. One year ago I was at the club finishing a practice when one kid who has dreams of going pro arrived, he goes to see professionals playing in place whenever he can. He had seen Fonseca playing/practicing some days before. The first thing he said was: "I thought so and so forehand was hard, then I saw Fonseca's".

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Emil Ruusuvuori will miss the AO and the Davic Cup, Emil, who ended his 2023 season early due to health issues, will come back in February on a protected ranking

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Good win from Learner Tien, defeating top seed Arthur Fils ( ATP #20), 4-2,4-2, 3-4(4) 4-3 (5) to make the SFs at NEXT GEN, he will face another American, Alex Michelsen for a spot in the final.
J. Shang retired in his match against Michelsen due to illness, Michelsen 4-1 1-1.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

ATP NextGen Finals,
SFs,
Michelsen (2) vs Tien (5)
Van Assche (6) vs Fonseca (8)

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Due to Russuvuori's withdrawal from the AO, means that Pouille is in directly and the French Federation has an extra wild card. ( I hope they give it to Richard Gasquet, seeing it will be his last appearance at the AO, he is retiring after Roland Garros in 2025)

 

[mrzz]

Fonseca wins his last match of the round robin phase to achieve a perfect 3x0 (already had qualified in 1st place). Very strong group and he comes out on top of it.

 

[Fiero425]

Fonseca wins his last match of the round robin phase to achieve a perfect 3x0 (already had qualified in 1st place). Very strong group and he comes out on top of it.

So typical w/ a lower seeded player doing better than the faves! WTF happened to Fils? He only won match over Menšík after being drug tested in the middle of their match! Congrats to Fonseca wiping out the opposition 3-0! Michelsen's taking care of business even though I haven't seen much of him this season! Is he our only future hope here in the States?

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Fonseca wins his last match of the round robin phase to achieve a perfect 3x0 (already had qualified in 1st place). Very strong group and he comes out on top of it.

That was the match of the round for me, Fonseca d Mensik in 5 sets
Even though Fonseca had qualified for the semi finals
I have added him to my favourite younger players to watch

 

[Moxie]

That was the match of the round for me, Fonseca d Mensik in 5 sets
Even though Fonseca had qualified for the semi finals
I have added him to my favourite younger players to watch

I agree with this, though I've only seen a handful. I didn't realize until after the match in his on-court interview that he didn't have to win that match, let alone fight so hard for it. Good on him! Going into a SF on a loss is not great, no matter what. I hope he wins it all. Great win today, and great showing of commitment.

 

[El Dude]

Fonzie looks great. Very confident and with a wide array of skills. Mensik is also impressive at times. He actually looked more overbearing than Fonseca, but also more error prone. That also speaks well of Fonseca - that he can hang in there in a very close match and do what he needs to do.

The Tien highlights were super impressive - some crazy passing shots and just seemingly great control. I don't know if he's a future elite, but he's going to be in the top 20, at least. I could see him taking on a "nuisance" role on tour...hard to beat, if not super dominant.

It is a bit baffling that Fils isn't dominating...he's the veteran in the tournament. Maybe he doesn't want it enough.