Joao Fonseca, the 21-year-old Brazilian tennis sensation, has sent a confident and enthusiastic message to his captain Andre Agassi ahead of his highly anticipated Laver Cup debut, expressing his readiness to take on the world’s elite—including a potential showdown with world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz. In a feature published by the official Laver Cup website on September 14, 2025, Fonseca outlined his excitement for the event, vowing to bring “a great vibe and hopefully great tennis” to help Team World lift the trophy. As the youngest player on Agassi’s squad, Fonseca’s bold words signal his intent to make an impact in San Francisco from September 19-21, where Team World faces a formidable Team Europe led by Alcaraz and Yannick Noah.
Fonseca’s Message: “If Agassi Picks Me, I’ll Be Ready”
Fonseca, ranked world No. 94 but a rising force with a career-high of No. 82 earlier in 2025, didn’t hold back in his interview. When asked about dream matchups, he said, “I love playing against the best. Carlos Alcaraz or [Alexander] Zverev would be super cool. If Andre Agassi picks me against anyone, I’ll be ready.” The Brazilian, who turned pro in 2023 and has already notched wins over top-50 players like Sebastian Korda and Jiri Lehecka, emphasized his eagerness to contribute: “I’m going to bring a great vibe and hopefully great tennis that will help them take this trophy.”
Fonseca also highlighted his desire to pair with fellow South American Francisco Cerundolo in doubles: “I hope we play doubles together. We talk in Spanish at tournaments.” Their shared Latin American roots could add chemistry to Team World’s lineup, which includes Taylor Fritz, Tommy Paul, Ben Shelton, Frances Tiafoe, and Cerundolo. Agassi, the eight-time Grand Slam champion making his Laver Cup captaincy debut, has already praised Fonseca, comparing aspects of his game to Jannik Sinner and Alcaraz: “He’s insane,” Agassi said in a recent interview, noting Fonseca’s poise and professionalism.
The Laver Cup, an ATP-sanctioned exhibition pitting Team Europe against Team World, features singles and doubles matches with points doubling on the final day. Fonseca’s debut adds youthful energy to Agassi’s squad, which aims to reclaim the trophy after Europe’s four-year dominance (2021-2024). On the other side, Noah’s Team Europe boasts Alcaraz, Zverev, Casper Ruud, Holger Rune, Jakub Mensik, and Flavio Cobolli—a lineup Fonseca is eager to challenge.
Fonseca’s Rapid Rise and Laver Cup Opportunity
Fonseca’s message underscores his meteoric ascent. The Rio de Janeiro native, who trained at the Mouratoglou Tennis Academy, burst onto the scene in 2024 with junior Grand Slam wins at Roland Garros and the US Open. Turning pro, he reached the third round of the Australian Open in January 2025 and claimed his first ATP title in Buenos Aires in February. With 25 wins in 2025 (70% win rate), Fonseca’s aggressive baseline game and powerful forehand draw parallels to Alcaraz, whom he admires: “Alcaraz is my idol—watching him motivates me.”
His Laver Cup selection is a nod to Agassi’s faith in youth, especially after withdrawals from Shelton and Paul due to injuries. Fonseca, who speaks fluent Spanish and English, bonded with Cerundolo at tournaments and sees the event as a learning curve: “It’s an amazing opportunity to be around great players and captains. Playing as a team? I’ll love it—we’ll cheer each other on.” He also revealed reading Agassi’s autobiography *Open*, calling the legend’s journey “inspiring.”
Fans on X have hyped Fonseca’s debut, with one post reading: “Joao Fonseca eyeing Alcaraz? Brazilian fire incoming at Laver Cup! 🇧🇷🔥” (@TennisTracker). Another noted, “Agassi picking Fonseca over vets? Bold move—love the kid’s vibe” (@TheTennisLetter).
A Clash with Alcaraz? The Dream Matchup
Fonseca’s specific call-out of Alcaraz adds intrigue to the draw, which will be announced closer to the event. A singles matchup would pit Fonseca’s rising talent against the six-time Grand Slam champion, who reclaimed No. 1 with his US Open win over Sinner. “Alcaraz or Zverev would be super cool,” Fonseca said, acknowledging the challenge but embracing it: “If Agassi picks me, I’ll be ready.” Zverev, world No. 2, offers another blockbuster, given Fonseca’s aggressive style mirroring the German’s power.
The Laver Cup, with tickets starting at $20 for practice day (September 18) and $150 for sessions, raises funds for the Rafa Nadal Academy and Roger Federer Foundation. Fonseca’s debut, alongside Cerundolo, could form a dynamic doubles pair, with the Brazilian telling the Laver Cup site, “I hope we play together—we talk in Spanish everywhere.”
Brazilian Pride in the Spotlight
Fonseca’s message to Agassi reflects his gratitude for the opportunity: “Adoro a trajetória dele [I love his trajectory].” As Brazil’s highest-ranked player, his Laver Cup bow is a milestone, following Thiago Seyboth Wild’s 2023 appearance. With Agassi’s mentorship—drawing from his own battles against Sampras and Becker—Fonseca aims to learn and shine. “I’ll bring energy and great tennis to help win this trophy,” he vowed.
As the Laver Cup approaches, Fonseca’s bold words set the stage for potential fireworks, especially against Alcaraz. With Agassi’s trust and his own ambition, the Brazilian is ready to make his mark in San Francisco.
