Roger Federer shares thoughts on whether Joao Fonseca can rival Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner

Joao Fonseca delivers confident message on his mindset ahead of the 2025 Australian Open

Joao Fonseca is still early in his professional career, but he’s already starting to turn heads. The Brazilian teenager has already picked up two ATP Tour titles, with wins in Buenos Aires and Basel during the 2025 season.

Fonseca reached as high as number 24 in the world before settling into his current spot at number 30.

Fonseca has set big goals for himself, with a strong focus now on the Australian Open. He’s set to face Eliot Spizzirri in the first round.

Roger Federer on Joao Fonseca’s rise and why he’s not just a third wheel

Roger Federer has weighed in on the discussion, with many wondering if Fonseca could become a regular feature alongside Alcaraz and Sinner at the top of the men’s game. When asked about that possibility, Federer pointed out that it’s important for Fonseca to aim higher than simply being part of an existing duo.

He said: “You don’t want to be the third guy. You want to be the guy. For anybody… I would think hopefully that’s what he’s thinking. Of course, you don’t want to get carried away and think too far ahead.

“Like in our time when people say, I’m going to try to win the Australian Open. There are all the other legends in the room. Sometimes I think the media didn’t allow them to speak up.

“I think anybody from the draw could come here and say, I want to win the Australian Open. It should be totally the same for Joao. I hope he has that mindset.

“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 likeable character as well. I like watching him play.

Joao Fonseca following in Alcaraz and Sinner’s early footsteps

During his playing days, Federer was part of a three-way rivalry with Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, a trio that pushed each other for years.

He understands what comes with that kind of competition. Though it’s still early for all three, Fonseca has already begun to trace a similar path.

The Brazilian burst onto the scene by winning the 2024 Next Gen ATP Finals, matching an achievement first set by Jannik Sinner in 2019 and later by Carlos Alcaraz in 2021.