Joao Fonseca Ready to Compete at Rio Open After Overcoming Injury

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – February 16, 2026 – Brazilian tennis star Joao Fonseca is feeling fully fit and prepared to compete at the Rio Open presented by Claro, despite a challenging start to the 2026 season. The 19-year-aged, currently ranked No. 38 in the PIF ATP Rankings, has recovered from a lower back injury that hampered his early season performance.

Fonseca Back to 100 Percent

“I’m feeling solid. Already 100 per cent physically,” Fonseca stated to ATP Media in Rio ahead of his first-round match against compatriot Thiago Monteiro. “I’ve been struggling in the beginning of the year with my lower back, but now I’m 100 per cent and feeling great back on court. Physically I’m good.”

Early Season Challenges

Fonseca’s 2026 season began with a first-round loss to Eliot Spizzirri at the Australian Open. He then competed at the IEB+ Argentina Open in Buenos Aires, where he was defeated in three sets by Alejandro Tabilo while defending his title. Despite the early defeats, Fonseca views these matches as valuable preparation.

“It was a pretty tight match in Buenos Aires, against a very good player,” Fonseca said. “I think the opportunity to play a week where you are the defending champion was great. I’m thinking about positive things right now. It was my first time, and of course a little bit more pressure, but I think I handled it pretty well. I think my opponent played pretty good.”

Adapting to the ‘Golden Swing’

Fonseca has noted the differences between the South American ‘Golden Swing’ and European tournaments. He highlighted the impact of the weather and the enthusiastic support of the fans.

“I think the most different thing is the weather [in Europe],” explained Fonseca. “It’s hotter and more humid [here], and I think the fans are such a big thing. They pull out a lot of the culture of Argentina and Brazil, perhaps because of football, it’s huge. They cheer a lot. Sometimes it’s too much! But I think it’s a great environment and that’s the biggest thing [about South America]. The courts are pretty similar. Buenos Aires is more similar to [the European] ones, and here the ball goes a little bit slower, but it’s also good.”

Rio Open and Potential Surface Change

Fonseca has also expressed a desire to see the Rio Open consider a surface change to attract more top players. Currently played on clay, the tournament stands out within the ‘Golden Swing,’ where many events are held on hard courts. As reported by Tennishead, Fonseca believes switching surfaces could be “very beneficial.”

Fonseca’s Journey to the Rio Open

The Rio Open holds a special place for Fonseca, who grew up attending the tournament and was a sparring partner in 2022, training with players like Carlos Alcaraz and Matteo Berrettini. According to the Rio Open official website, he first competed in the ATP main draw at the event in 2023, receiving a wildcard. He also won the Next Gen ATP Finals and the US Open junior title in 2023.