SÃO PAULO – The excitement surrounding Brazilian tennis today is greater than that generated by Gustavo ‘Guga’ Kuerten a quarter of a century ago. There has never been a better moment, says Fernando Meligeni, a sound player in the 1990s known for his passion and boundless dedication, who is now also a sharp commentator on the sport.

‘This is a very vital moment for Brazilian tennis, one that we didn’t even experience in Guga’s era,’ said Meligeni, 54, during an interview with CLAY in São Paulo.’All the companies are killing themselves to get into tennis,’ he added.

In those years when Kuerten changed the history of brazilian tennis with his three Roland Garros titles and his conquest of the world number one ranking, Meligeni was also there.

A semi-finalist at Roland Garros in 1999, the year he reached number 25 in the world rankings, the argentine-born Brazilian is a powerful voice in his country’s tennis as the leader of a podcast with a growing audience, New Balls Please, wich he shares with journalist Fernando Nardini.

The interview with Meligeni in Sao Paulo, the largest city in the West, took place days after the grate success of the WTA 250 held there, which adds to the ATP 500 in Rio de Janeiro.

Brazil hosts the biggest tennis tournaments in South America, in keeping with its status as the world’s ninth largest economy, even though meligeni – and he is not alone – repeatedly and admiringly highlights the tennis powerhouse of a neighbouring country that continues to produce players: Argentina.

This is the first part of the interview with Meligeni; the second part will be published in the coming days.– How would you describe this moment in Brazilian tennis?

– The strength of Argentine tennis is still unmatched,incomparable.But Brazilian tennis is coming on strong. We have Joao (Fonseca) and Bia (Beatriz Haddad Maia) as the two big names.Thay have their good moments and their bad moments, but you have two players in the top 50 in the world rankings and with a strong presence in Brazil. and there are other young players coming up behind them. So people are starting to discover tennis and dispel the big problem that Brazil has always had, the idea that tennis is an elitist sport. The idea that it’s nice, yes, but very expensive.

– is it?

– That’s always my big fight with people. I ask them, do you like tennis or not? It doesn’t matter if it’s elitist or not, if it’s popular or not.

– That’s the big difference with Argentina, isn’t it? Starting with Guillermo Vilas in the 1970s, tennis was adopted by the middle classes.

– Of course, that’s why I say, do you like it or not? What’s the problem if you like it, what’s the problem? No one can tell you that you can’t like tennis.

– I understand that the hype generated by Fonseca, which reaches all audiences, contributes to changing that perception.

– My 15-year-old son, who, despite being the son of a tennis player, has never watched tennis in his life because he doesn’t like sitting in front of the television, says to me, ‘Dad, is J

Joao Fonseca: A Rising Tennis Star – Pace and Pressure

Joao Fonseca is a phenomenal player, representing a new caliber of talent. This assessment comes from a seasoned observer within the tennis world, highlighting Fonseca’s remarkable abilities even at a young age.

Unprecedented Talent

“We’ve never had a player of that calibre, not even ‘Guga’ as a junior, at 18 or 19, played the tennis that Joao plays,” the source stated. This comparison to Gustavo Kuerten, a former world number one and a national icon, underscores the significance of Fonseca’s potential. His skill level is undeniably impressive and marks him as a truly exceptional prospect.

Mental Fortitude and Support System

Beyond his on-court talent, Fonseca possesses crucial attributes for success. He demonstrates a strong mental game, effectively handling pressure situations. This is further supported by a stable and supportive family habitat, contributing to his overall advancement and well-being.He is described as doing “everything right” in his approach to the sport.

Strategic Pacing is Key

Despite the excitement surrounding Fonseca, a cautious approach to his schedule is recommended. Currently, his physical conditioning isn’t yet on par with top players like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Overexposing him to a relentless tournament schedule could be detrimental. There’s significant pressure to capitalize on his popularity by having him play frequently, but a measured pace is considered the optimal strategy.

The Impact of Performance on Fan Engagement

Fonseca’s impact extends beyond the court, significantly influencing media engagement. The speaker noted a direct correlation between Fonseca’s performance and podcast listenership. Weeks where he plays well see listener numbers soar to 30,000-50,000, compared to 15,000-20,000 when he’s not competing or underperforming. This illustrates his growing popularity and the public’s keen interest in his career.

Lessons from Bia Haddad’s Experience

The conversation also touched upon the challenges faced by Bia Haddad, another Brazilian tennis player. Her current struggles serve as a cautionary tale. The speaker emphasized that maintaining success is arduous, and even established players can falter. Haddad’s situation is notably precarious, as she’s at a critical juncture in her career, experiencing hesitation and facing external pressures.

Publication Date: 2025/09/24 15:18:41