Stan Wawrinka believes Joao Fonseca has what it takes to challenge Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner at the top of men's tennis. The retired Swiss star, who beat Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic in Grand Slam finals during his career, singled out the Brazilian as a future threat.
Wawrinka's praise for Fonseca
Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Wawrinka said: "Joao Fonseca has something special: power, personality, and the way he knows how to enjoy the big stage." The former world No. 3 won three Major titles and also defeated Roger Federer and Andy Murray at Grand Slam level.
Wawrinka, who retired at the Swiss Indoors last month, added: "As for me, I see myself a little in those players who mature later and who play powerful, aggressive tennis. It's not written anywhere that you have to be a champion at 20. Sometimes it takes time to build self-confidence: that was the case for me too."
Fonseca's rise and setbacks
Fonseca broke through last year when he qualified for the Australian Open as a teenager and beat ninth seed Andrey Rublev on his Grand Slam debut. He claimed his maiden title in Buenos Aires weeks later and won his biggest trophy at the Swiss Indoors ATP 500 event last October.
This year, the world No. 41 suffered tight defeats to Sinner, Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev before coming back from two sets down to stun Djokovic in the third round of the French Open. He has since ended his season early due to injury problems.
Federer's similar view
Roger Federer also tipped the 20-year-old as a potential disruptor at the start of the 2026 season. The 20-time Grand Slam champion said: "I think what separates him from a lot of the other guys in the draw are his power, forehand, backhand, serve, what he's able to bring point for point. He's exciting. He has a good aura. I feel like he's a very likable character as well. I like watching him play."
Federer added: "I just think he's more a little bit like me in the sense he needs a little bit more time to work on his game. Similar to Jannik, as well, to know when to dial back and when to unload his shots. Once he figures that out, obviously the sky's the limit. But obviously I think he's truly one of the guys that can compete for the biggest wins."
Sinner and Alcaraz shared nine consecutive Grand Slam titles before physical setbacks opened the door for Zverev to win at Roland Garros and the US Open. Sinner has not played since lifting his fifth Major title at Wimbledon, ending his season due to a knee injury.
