Indian Wells
Alcaraz: ‘We’ll see extra Fonseca sooner or later’
Spaniard shares ideas on Sinner-Fonseca encounter
March 12, 2026
Clive Brunskill/Getty Photos
Carlos Alcaraz was stuffed with reward for Joao Fonseca on the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells.
By ATP Employees
The tennis world had its eyes on Jannik Sinner’s conflict with Joao Fonseca on Tuesday on the BNP Paribas Open, seemingly the opening chapter of a budding rivalry. Even Carlos Alcaraz, the World No. 1 within the PIF ATP Rankings, was following the intriguing showdown, which Sinner gained 7-6(6), 7-6(4).
Alcaraz, who was requested in regards to the match after incomes a quarter-final spot in California, was stuffed with reward for the rising star Fonseca regardless of the 19-year-old’s defeat.
“Clearly when somebody goes toe to toe with Jannik, which means he needed to play nice tennis and carry out actually, rather well,” Alcaraz mentioned. “I could not see the total match, however I noticed that Joao is enjoying nice tennis. I’m actually joyful to see Joao enjoying these sorts of matches, at this type of stage.”
Whereas Alcaraz holds a 10-6 lead in opposition to Sinner of their rivalry, the Spaniard is but to have his first Lexus ATP Head2Head assembly with Fonseca. Like Alcaraz and Sinner, Fonseca is a former champion on the Subsequent Gen ATP Finals, which the Brazilian gained in 2024.
“I am a participant and an individual who loves seeing the participant rising. As an individual, as a participant, he is actually younger, and for certain he will study from this expertise,” Alcaraz mentioned of Fonseca. “I’m simply actually joyful to see the place Joao is true now and for certain we’ll see extra of Joao sooner or later.”
Alcaraz continued his good season on Wednesday, defeating thirteenth seed Casper Ruud to increase his successful streak to fifteen matches. Up subsequent for the highest seed is 2021 champion Cameron Norrie. Alcaraz fell to Norrie on the Rolex Paris Masters in November.
“I simply actually need to take the revenge,” Alcaraz mentioned. “Actually tough one in opposition to Cam, I’ve nice battles in opposition to him. Lefties are all the time tough to play in opposition to. The best way he can change the peak of the ball, he has a extremely flat backhand and [heavy] top-spin forehand. You could be a little bit confused typically with how the ball goes to return to you.
“He is a gladiator. He is an actual fighter, preventing for each ball, each recreation, each set.”
