ROLAND GARROS

June 1, 2026

Joao Fonseca

Press Conference

J. FONSECA/C. Ruud

7-5, 7-6, 5-7, 6-2

THE MODERATOR: Joao, congrats for another win on Chatrier. How special was it to win in front of Guga Kuerten tonight?

JOAO FONSECA: Yeah, really great match since the beginning putting a lot of pressure on the game. Yeah, having Guga there supporting and cheering was amazing and super-nice experience today.

THE MODERATOR: Questions in English.

Q. Curious for you how you're feeling? This is your first time going this deep into a Grand Slam tournament. How are you holding up physically, mentally in this stage of the journey?

JOAO FONSECA: Feeling good. I mean, just trying to -- for me it's different, I mean, getting to the locker room and last people (smiling). It's crazy.

I mean, it's different. Of course my first time, but just living the moment, you know.

Physically I'm good. I'm recovering pretty well on the day offs. Yeah, of course tired for the match but having good sleep. Yeah, eating good and resting, hydrating. Is going to be great on Tuesday.

Q. What made this journey in Paris possible? My question is the gap is huge with the form you showed at the start of the season, preseason going into the Australian Open. In a few months you look almost like a different player. What made this journey possible these latest weeks?

JOAO FONSECA: I mean, I think a lot of work. Preseason in December was pretty tough. Yeah, I think Australia can be an example, because I was with no rhythm at all. Practiced like 2 days with 13 days off, and practiced 2 days and tried to play. Maybe was not the best choice, but learnings and experience.

But what changed is, I mean, doing a lot of physically stuff and working hard. Yeah, I think the mentality also changed a lot, focusing on the points and not in the end of the match.

Yeah, I think some things changed. I mean, it's the longest swing for me of the year. I'm out of home since Monte-Carlo, but I think a lot of work came. Mentality improved a lot. So I think if I can answer your question, it's probably this.

Q. Well done. Congratulations. What has been more difficult for you? What was the best match, the one you played against Djokovic or the one of tonight? What is your feeling about the fact that there are three young kids, you, Mensik, and Jodar surrounding Zverev in that part of the draw?

JOAO FONSECA: I think Jodar is in the top half of the draw. No? Okay.

So, I mean, matches were different against Casper and Djokovic. Against Djokovic was more mental. I mean, it was tough in the beginning. Conditions were different, much hotter, and yeah, against a guy that I respect a lot. So I started playing respecting a lot.

Not that I don't respect Casper. It's just that I was feeling more confident in today's match and more aggressive, going for the shots and trying to command on the points pretty soon.

It was more like a battle of who is more aggressive in the beginning and who was committing more the points. Yeah, I think in the beginning I was putting a lot of pressure on him, and especially on the important points I played really well. But, yeah, I think it was different matches, but today played a little bit more solid through the whole match.

But, yeah, and it's great to have new generations. The next generations is doing pretty well. Not only Jodar and Mensik and me, but also Learner, Michelsen. There is Landaluce. He's playing tomorrow? Oh, he lost. But he did really good. (Indiscernible) as well.

But we have a new generation playing really good tennis. It's good to have them around, pushing me for sure, doing some great battles.

Q. Once again, you delivered a great performance with your forehand. What's the secret to such powerful forehand? Is it something that comes naturally for you?

JOAO FONSECA: What is the what?

Q. Your forehand.

JOAO FONSECA: The power? Where does it come? That's your question?

Q. Yeah. Is it naturally?

JOAO FONSECA: I mean, it's difficult to answer. I mean, every people has their own personality and their own shots, their own strength. I think my strength is power, going for the shots, playing aggressive.

Since I was young I was playing like this. Of course with not that consistency, but I always went for the shots. I love doing winners. I think it came from my base. I always try to be me on court. Being me, sometimes I go crazy. Sometimes the ball goes to the fence. Sometimes I hit the ball in important moments and I lose.

But, yeah, I try to be confident and that push me up.