World number one Carlos Alcaraz defeated Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca 6-4, 6-4 in the second round of the Miami Open on Wednesday, in a match that drew a passionate crowd of 16,000 to the Hard Rock Stadium.
The 22-year-old Spaniard broke early in both sets, serving effectively and using his variety of shots to neutralise the 19-year-old Fonseca, who had been tipped as a potential upset after his strong showing against Jannik Sinner at Indian Wells last week.
Alcaraz said after the match that Fonseca reminded him of himself at the same age. “He reminds me a lot when I was his age and just coming up,” Alcaraz said. “I would say he should choose the better option. Sometimes he missed a few shots or sometimes he missed a lot of easy balls because he doesn’t choose the right shots, the right ball in certain situations. I’m pretty sure he’s going to get it.”
The atmosphere was electric, with many Brazilian fans supporting Fonseca. Alcaraz acknowledged the crowd's energy. “I would like to say it wasn’t against me, it was supporting him,” he said. “I think it was incredible to be honest. I didn’t want to silence anybody. I just wanted to do my stuff, doing my job and trying to play my best.”
In the women's draw, world number one Aryna Sabalenka began her campaign for the Sunshine Double with a 7-6 (5), 6-4 win over American Ann Li. Third seed Elena Rybakina also advanced, defeating fellow Kazakhstani Yulia Putintseva 6-3, 6-3.
