Brazilian tennis sensation Joao Fonseca is aiming to emulate the success of Juan Martin del Potro by adding Franco Davin, Del Potro’s former coach, to his team. The 18-year-old, currently ranked No. 60 in the world, hopes this strategic move will propel him to the upper echelons of men’s tennis. Davin, who guided del Potro to his 2009 US Open title, will work alongside Fonseca’s existing coach, Guilherme Teixeira, bringing a wealth of experience and tactical insight to the young player’s camp.
Fonseca Enlists Franco Davin to Boost Career Trajectory
Fonseca’s decision to bring Davin on board underscores his ambition to not just be a fleeting star but a consistent contender on the ATP tour. After a breakthrough season in 2025, marked by his first ATP title at the Argentina Open and two Challenger titles, Fonseca and his team are looking to refine his game and develop a strategy to compete with the world’s best players.
Davin’s Impressive Coaching Pedigree
Franco Davin boasts a strong coaching background, having guided Juan Martin del Potro to his US Open victory in 2009. Beyond Del Potro, Davin has worked with other notable players, including Fabio Fognini, whom he coached to a Monte Carlo Masters title and a career-high ranking of No. 9, Cristian Garin, and Grigor Dimitrov. His experience working with diverse playing styles and personalities makes him a valuable asset to Fonseca’s team.
Teixeira Remains a Key Figure
Guilherme Teixeira, Fonseca’s primary coach, remains a crucial part of the team. He initiated the collaboration with Davin, recognizing the potential benefits of adding Davin’s expertise. Teixeira will continue to work closely with Fonseca, with Davin acting as a consultant, providing guidance and analysis.
The Del Potro Connection: A Forehand Resemblance
Beyond the coaching connection, Fonseca has drawn comparisons to Del Potro due to his powerful forehand. Like Del Potro, Fonseca possesses a formidable forehand that can dictate play and overwhelm opponents.
A Closer Look at Fonseca’s Forehand
While statistics place Fonseca’s forehand quality around the tour average, deeper analysis reveals its immense potential. His average forehand speed is 81 mph, exceeding the tour average of 76 mph. Additionally, his spin rate of 3,019 rpm is significantly higher than the tour average of 2,844 rpm. Arthur Fils, a fellow competitor, highlighted Fonseca’s “great timing” and “easy power” on his forehand, noting his ability to react quickly and generate immense speed without forcing the shot. While his consistency and accuracy could improve, the raw power and spin on Fonseca’s forehand make it a weapon to be feared.
Davin Aims to Refine Fonseca’s Strengths
Davin’s role will involve analyzing and refining Fonseca’s playing style, with a particular focus on maximizing the effectiveness of his forehand. The goal is to improve his consistency and accuracy, enabling him to harness the full potential of this already potent weapon.
Fonseca’s Rapid Ascent and Future Aspirations
Joao Fonseca has rapidly ascended the ranks of professional tennis. In 2024, he secured his first ATP title at the Argentina Open, showcasing his talent and potential. He also finished 2024 strong, winning all five matches at the Next Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah.
2025: A Year of Breakthroughs
Fonseca’s impressive form continued into 2025. He triumphed at the Canberra Challenger without dropping a set and qualified for the Australian Open, where he defeated Andrey Rublev in straight sets in his Grand Slam debut. He also secured a title at the Phoenix Challenger.
Eyes on the Future
Fonseca’s ambition extends beyond being a “new sensation.” He aims to become a major contender in major tournaments and challenge the sport’s elite. His dedication, combined with the guidance of experienced coaches like Teixeira and Davin, positions him for continued growth and success in the years to come.
The Mental Game: Courage and Maturity
Fonseca recognizes the importance of the mental aspect of tennis. He identifies his courage in difficult moments and his maturity in facing adversity as key strengths. He strives to maintain a positive attitude and enjoy the game, even when facing challenges.
Learning from Federer
Fonseca admires Roger Federer, calling him the “GOAT” (Greatest of All Time). He also acknowledges the influence of Brazilian legend Guga Kuerten. However, he is focused on forging his own path and creating his own legacy in the sport.
Conclusion: A Promising Partnership
The addition of Franco Davin to Joao Fonseca’s coaching team is a significant step in the young Brazilian’s career. With a shared South American background, a similar playing style, and Davin’s proven track record, this partnership has the potential to unlock Fonseca’s full potential and propel him towards the top of the tennis world.
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