Fonseca Triumphs Over Illness in Miami Opener
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Synopsis
On March 21, Joao Fonseca made an impressive debut at the Miami Open, defeating Learner Tien 6-7(1), 3-6, 6-4. In a dramatic match, he overcame health challenges to secure victory and will face Ugo Humbert next.
Key Takeaways
- Joao Fonseca made a strong debut at the Miami Open.
- Fonseca defeated Learner Tien in three sets.
- He called for medical assistance during the match.
- Next, he will compete against Ugo Humbert.
- Other players like Jakub Mensik and Lorenzo Sonego also advanced.
Miami, March 21 (NationPress) Joao Fonseca electrified the crowd with an impressive debut at the Miami Open, overcoming Learner Tien with a score of 6-7(1), 3-6, 6-4 in a captivating first-round match.
This encounter marked the youngest main-draw match in Miami since 2016, when Alexander Zverev triumphed over Michael Mmoh in a duel of 18-year-olds. Fonseca unleashed 43 winners, securing victory in a dramatic two-hour and 23-minute showdown.
“I always aim to be aggressive with my forehand. In my younger days, during crucial points, my forehand often went directly to the fence. Now, I’m focusing on being both aggressive and stable. During key moments, I trust my forehand. I’m very pleased and proud of the hard work I’ve put in on the court,” stated Fonseca.
As he led 3-2 in the deciding set with a break advantage, Fonseca unexpectedly called for a doctor, informing chair umpire Mohamed Lahyani that he felt dizzy and needed to vomit. After taking medication from the doctor and a six-minute pause, he resumed play without any apparent signs of illness, according to ATP reports.
The late drama continued as Fonseca seemed to experience a minor cramp just two points from clinching the match. However, the teenager wasted no time and quickly finished off the victory.
Next, Fonseca will face 19th seed Ugo Humbert, who recently claimed his seventh tour-level title in Marseille.
In other matches, Jakub Mensik defeated Roberto Bautista Agut 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, showcasing a powerful performance with 23 aces and winning 84 percent of his first-serve points.
Italians Lorenzo Sonego, Matteo Arnaldi, and Luciano Darderi also advanced. Sonego, 29, outplayed Mariano Navone 7-5, 7-5, setting up a second-round encounter with third seed Taylor Fritz. Arnaldi triumphed over Wu Yibing 7-6(3), 4-6, 6-3, while Darderi dominated Pedro Martinez 6-4, 6-1.
