On his 19th birthday, João Fonseca, Brazil’s top tennis player, takes the court in New York for a special exhibition match at the Stars of the Open, part of the US Open 2025 Fan Week. On Thursday, August 21, around 9 p.m. (Brasília time), the 19-year-old pairs with Juan Martin Del Potro, the 2009 US Open champion, to face Americans Andy Roddick and Alex Michelsen. The match, held at Arthur Ashe Stadium, will be broadcast live on ESPN and Disney+. The event brings together tennis legends and rising stars, promising a celebratory night for fans. Fonseca, currently ranked 44th in the world, reinforces his growing prominence in professional tennis as he prepares for his main draw debut at the American Grand Slam.
The exhibition takes place on the eve of the US Open, running from August 24 to September 7, as part of Fan Week, a fan-focused week with open events. Fonseca, the 2023 US Open junior champion, aims to replicate his past success in New York, now as a professional. Partnering with Del Potro, an iconic South American tennis figure, adds a special touch to the moment, especially on his birthday.
Exhibition highlights:
Partnering with Juan Martin Del Potro, 2009 US Open champion.
Facing Andy Roddick, former world No. 1, and Alex Michelsen, an American prospect.
Event part of Fan Week, broadcast on ESPN and Disney+.
Fonseca’s participation in the Stars of the Open is more than a birthday celebration. It’s a chance to showcase his talent on a global stage alongside tennis icons while gearing up for the US Open, where he hopes to advance beyond the third round, his best Grand Slam result so far.
Journey to the exhibition
João Fonseca enters the event with a remarkable 2025 season. The 19-year-old from Rio has solidified his position as Brazil’s No. 1 and reached 44th in the ATP rankings, his career high. His year began with a standout win over Andrey Rublev, then world No. 9, in the Australian Open’s first round, marking his first top-10 victory. Fonseca also won the ATP 250 in Buenos Aires, becoming the youngest Brazilian to claim a title at this level, and secured Challenger titles in Canberra and Phoenix.
The Brazilian faced challenges on hard courts, such as a first-round loss to Tristan Schoolkate in Toronto’s Masters 1000. However, his third-round run in Cincinnati, with a win over Bu Yunchaokete and progress after Alejandro Davidovich Fokina’s withdrawal, boosted his confidence for the US Open.
Fonseca’s 2025 achievements:
Victory over Andrey Rublev at the Australian Open.
ATP 250 Buenos Aires title at age 18.
Third-round appearances in Roland Garros and Wimbledon.
Entry into the ATP top 50, reaching 44th.
The event also marks Fonseca’s first time playing alongside Del Potro, an iconic figure who inspired South American tennis players. Their chemistry could be a highlight, given the Argentine’s charisma and the Brazilian’s youthful energy.
Para não lotar a timeline com conteúdo de treino, iremos reunir alguns vídeos na thread abaixo. Conforme recebermos mais, adicionaremos aqui.Treino entre 🇧🇷João Fonseca e 🇺🇸Taylor Fritz hoje no US Open.[Via IG/jzwrockets] pic.twitter.com/VQ1W7Jr9Cc— João Fonseca Updates (@fonsecaupdates) August 18, 2025
History with opponents
The exhibition pits Fonseca against Alex Michelsen, whom he defeated in 2024 at the Madrid Masters 1000. Then 17, Fonseca won in straight sets, marking his first victory at that level. Michelsen, a young American prospect, seeks revenge on home soil with local crowd support. Meanwhile, Andy Roddick, former world No. 1 and 2003 US Open champion, brings experience and charisma, promising an entertaining showdown.
The budding rivalry with Michelsen adds a competitive edge to the exhibition. Fonseca, known for his powerful forehand and aggressive style, can test his preparation against players from different generations. The US Open’s fast courts suit his game, and the exhibition may gauge his readiness for the main tournament.
Fonseca vs. Michelsen:
Win in Madrid 2024, 2 sets to 0.
First clash in a Masters 1000.
Aggressive styles promise intense exchanges.
The matchup with Roddick is more symbolic. The retired American, known for his booming serve and fan connection, remains competitive in exhibitions. His presence ensures a lively yet challenging atmosphere.
Fan Week’s significance
The US Open Fan Week is a fan-favorite event, offering access to practices, exhibitions, and player interactions. The Stars of the Open, in its third edition, features names like Coco Gauff, Andre Agassi, Venus Williams, and John McEnroe alongside Fonseca and Del Potro. The initiative also raises funds for the USTA Foundation, supporting tennis programs for underserved youth in the U.S.
For Fonseca, the event strengthens his bond with fans, especially New York’s vibrant Brazilian community, known for its passionate support. At tournaments like the Miami Open, Fonseca has thrived on crowd energy, which could be a factor in the US Open’s intense atmosphere.
Fan Week benefits:
Direct fan-player interaction.
Fundraising for USTA Foundation’s social programs.
Relaxed setting for tournament preparation.
The exhibition also serves as a platform for Fonseca to solidify his name among tennis stars. Playing with legends like Del Potro and Roddick highlights his rapid rise in the sport.
US Open preparation
While celebrating his birthday, Fonseca keeps his focus on the US Open, where he debuts in the main draw as a top-50 player. His best Grand Slam result is the third round, achieved at Roland Garros and Wimbledon in 2025. In New York, he aims to go further, leveraging recent tournament confidence and Brazilian fan support.
Fonseca has shown prowess on hard courts, with key wins over Ugo Humbert and Arthur Fils. His victories against Fils at the 2024 Rio Open, his first ATP win, and the NextGen Finals in Jeddah highlight his ability to compete at a high level. Consistency in five-set matches will be key to advancing in the US Open’s later rounds.
Fonseca’s US Open goals:
Surpass the third round, his best Grand Slam mark.
Solidify his top-50 ATP ranking.
Harness Brazilian crowd support for confidence.
Test endurance in long five-set matches.
His preparation included training with players like Taylor Fritz, world No. 4, in New York. These sessions are vital for adapting to the tournament’s conditions, which demand physical and mental resilience.
Del Potro’s legacy and inspiration
Playing with Juan Martin Del Potro is a unique opportunity for Fonseca. The Argentine, who beat Roger Federer to win the 2009 US Open, is a role model for South American players. His career, marked by triumphs over giants like Federer and Nadal, inspires Fonseca to aim high.
Del Potro, retired since 2022, has ties to Brazil, having competed in events like the Rio Open. In recent interviews, he praised Fonseca’s maturity and dedication. Their exhibition partnership could be a symbolic moment, bridging South American tennis generations.
Del Potro’s lessons for Fonseca:
Resilience in overcoming injuries and challenges.
Aggressive forehand, a shared strength.
Crowd connection to boost on-court energy.
The event also marks Del Potro’s return to Arthur Ashe Stadium, where he won his greatest title. For Fonseca, it’s a chance to learn from a tennis giant while celebrating his birthday on one of the sport’s most iconic stages.
