ROLAND GARROS

May 29, 2025

Joao Fonseca

Press Conference

J. FONSECA/P.H. Herbert

7-6, 7-6, 6-4

THE MODERATOR: Congrats, Joao. A lot of emotions today on court after the match point. Can you talk us through what you are feeling right now.

JOAO FONSECA: Yeah, I mean, it was a lot of emotions. Going to the third round. I mean, it was really a dream because of that.

After that, I saw my grandmother entering the court. She was crying. So it's really nice. And it's my mom's birthday, so it makes it more special.

So being in the third round is just incredible. Yeah, I'm very happy the way that I played today.

THE MODERATOR: Questions.

Q. Obviously this is still very new to you, and the first time you have won two matches at a Grand Slam. I know they were straight sets, but how do you feel physically right now? Because they were close sets, quite long sets.

JOAO FONSECA: I mean, I'm actually feeling good. It was a lot of tension this match than the other one. I mean, two tiebreaks. Both the first two sets was too long. I think was three hours this match.

It was tough, but I'm feeling good. I'm feeling prepared. If I needed to play two more sets I was going to be there.

So yeah, just thankfully my fitness coach is doing a good job. Yeah, I'm feeling good for to play the third round.

Q. I thought also from the mental side you played a strong match. How would you describe your character? As a typical Carioca person from Rio?

JOAO FONSECA: I would say Brazilians, when they are in trouble, they find a way to manage themselves. I would say in important moments I just try to be brave, to be courage.

On the tiebreaker, the second set, I was 3-0 down on the tiebreak, and I did some amazing shots. Made two greats serves. After he did a dropshot, I make another dropshot. Was 3-All. Made some good returns, three good returns with my forehand.

I think that's the difference between the good guys in the top 50 from the top 10, they need to be brave, they need to know how to play in important moments.

Yeah, happy the way that I played on these important moments and was good mentally through the whole match.

Q. Some of players are complaining about the atmosphere created by the French, saying it's not respectful. What's your opinion on it? What do you think about it on your game?

JOAO FONSECA: I mean, I came from Brazil. I mean, I went to a lot of matches, football matches. It's loud. Brazilian people are loud also. I just respect. I just feel it's nice, I mean, the rivalry between the crowds.

Today was just super nice to see the Brazilians calling my name, and then the French ones call Pierre's name. For me, just nice. I hope they respect more between serves and during the points and just respected the players. For me, it's fine.

Q. One of your potential next opponents, Jack Draper. You played him before in Indian Wells. What kind of challenge do you see facing him? Would you rather not play Saturday night so you can watch the football?

JOAO FONSECA: Yeah, I mean, Jack's a great guy. I always pass to him and he talks to me. Just super nice. And, well, I mean Gael is just a legend. For me to play against him is just going to be a pleasure.

Yeah, I'm going to see their match and rest tomorrow and see how it goes. Both of them are good players. Of course Jack is having, he's playing incredible these two years. It's just going to be nice to play on the third round.

If my match goes Saturday night, okay. If no, okay also (smiling). I mean, I'm not the one that choose, so I'm just going to play my best. Thank you.

Q. I think a lot of the tennis world is very excited about your talent and your success because the Brazilian fans are so famous for the energy that they bring to the sport. Are you able to describe what it's like when you're on a tennis court and you feel their energy?

JOAO FONSECA: Sometimes I feel goose bumps when the people are shouting or I make a good point and they call my name. It's just super nice. It's a vibe that I can't explain.

It's just, I mean, it's just incredible to represent your country, and they are cheering for you. Then after the match, I just can't talk because they shout so loud, they make a lot of noise. So it's just super cool. It's an amazing vibe.

Q. I was wondering that your body language is like you have been there for many years, what it looks like. Did you practice this? Because in many different situations, it looks like you're already there, doesn't matter, and you are so strong mentally. Your body language, wonders me a lot.

JOAO FONSECA: It's a good question. My coach says to me a lot about body language. We see a lot of, I mean, Rafa Nadal and Djokovic and Federer, I mean, those guys, the body language they have is just incredible. They had... we need to follow their steps. You need to stay positive.

There is going to be bad moments; there are going to be good moments. The less moments, it's better. So you need to stay positive all the time.

It's one thing that I practice a lot. I try to practice. I mean, also in practices when the practices are doing it's difficult, or I'm playing bad, I just try to stay positive and focus on what I need to do, the exercise for everything.

But on matches, just try to stay positive all the time and focus about the good things, what I can improve. Yeah, the posture is just really great. I mean, I think Pierre was doing a great posture today. He was always positive during the whole match, and this was making me play my best all the time.