João Fonseca celebrates 19 years with Del Potro at Stars of the Open

João Fonseca, Brazil’s rising tennis star, celebrates his 19th birthday in style, taking the court for a special exhibition match at the Stars of the Open during the US Open 2025 Fan Week in New York. On Thursday, August 21, at around 9 p.m. Brasília time (8 p.m. EDT), the world No. 44 teams up with Juan Martin Del Potro, the 2009 US Open champion, to face Americans Andy Roddick and Alex Michelsen at the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium. Broadcast live on ESPN and Disney+, the event blends tennis legends with emerging talents, promising an unforgettable night for fans. Fonseca’s participation underscores his growing prominence as he prepares for his main draw debut at the American Grand Slam, held from August 24 to September 7.

The occasion marks not only Fonseca’s birthday but also his rise as Brazil’s top tennis player. With a standout 2025 season, including an ATP 250 title in Buenos Aires and a top-10 win, Fonseca enters the US Open with high expectations. Playing alongside Del Potro, a South American tennis icon, adds a special layer to the moment, bridging generations. The Fan Week, known for fan engagement, enhances the festive atmosphere.

• Exhibition highlights:
  • Partnering with Juan Martin Del Potro, 2009 US Open champion.
  • Facing Andy Roddick, former world No. 1, and Alex Michelsen.
  • Event broadcast live as part of US Open Fan Week.

The matchup at Arthur Ashe Stadium promises excitement, combining Fonseca’s youthful energy with Del Potro’s experience against Roddick’s charisma and Michelsen’s potential. For Fonseca, it’s a chance to shine on a global stage before the main tournament.

Fonseca’s 2025 journey

João Fonseca has had a breakthrough year in professional tennis. At 19, the Rio de Janeiro native reached a career-high ATP ranking of 44. His 2025 began with a stunning upset over Andrey Rublev, then world No. 9, in the Australian Open’s first round, marking his first top-10 victory. Fonseca also clinched the ATP 250 title in Buenos Aires, becoming the youngest Brazilian to win at this level, alongside Challenger titles in Canberra and Phoenix.

Despite setbacks, like a first-round loss to Tristan Schoolkate in Toronto’s Masters 1000, Fonseca showed resilience. His third-round run in Cincinnati, defeating Bu Yunchaokete and advancing after Alejandro Davidovich Fokina’s withdrawal, boosted his confidence for the US Open. He also reached the third round at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, cementing his top-50 status.

• Key 2025 achievements:
  • Defeated Andrey Rublev at the Australian Open.
  • Won ATP 250 Buenos Aires title at 18.
  • Reached third round at Roland Garros and Wimbledon.
  • Broke into ATP top 50, peaking at No. 44.

The New York exhibition is another milestone for Fonseca, who draws inspiration from Del Potro’s legacy. Their partnership offers a chance to learn from a player known for his powerful forehand and mental toughness.

Facing tough opponents

The Stars of the Open pits Fonseca and Del Potro against a formidable duo. Andy Roddick, the 2003 US Open champion and former world No. 1, brings his trademark serve and crowd appeal, even in retirement. Alex Michelsen, a rising American star, adds youthful vigor. Fonseca previously beat Michelsen in straight sets at the 2024 Madrid Masters 1000, setting up an intriguing rematch with the American seeking redemption on home soil.

While the clash with Roddick is more symbolic, it tests Fonseca’s ability to perform under pressure on a major stage. Michelsen’s aggressive style mirrors Fonseca’s, promising intense rallies. The fast courts of Arthur Ashe Stadium suit Fonseca’s game, making the exhibition a valuable gauge of his US Open readiness.

• Matchup history:
  • Defeated Michelsen in Madrid 2024, 2-0 sets.
  • First encounter with Roddick, a tennis legend.
  • Fonseca’s aggressive style aligns with fast courts.

The dynamic between Fonseca and Del Potro will be a focal point. The Argentine’s experience in high-stakes matches could guide Fonseca, while the Brazilian’s energy complements Del Potro’s veteran presence.

Fan Week’s role

The US Open Fan Week is a beloved tradition, offering fans free access to practices, exhibitions, and player interactions. The Stars of the Open, in its third edition, features stars like Coco Gauff, Andre Agassi, and Venus Williams alongside Fonseca and Del Potro. The event also raises funds for the USTA Foundation, supporting tennis programs for underserved youth in the U.S.

For Fonseca, Fan Week is an opportunity to connect with fans, particularly New York’s vibrant Brazilian community, known for its passionate support. His strong performances in tournaments like the Miami Open show he thrives on crowd energy, which could play a key role in the US Open’s intense atmosphere. The exhibition also allows him to adapt to the tournament’s conditions in a relaxed setting.

• Fan Week benefits:
  • Direct engagement with players and fans.
  • Fundraising for USTA Foundation’s youth programs.
  • Preparation for US Open’s competitive environment.

Fonseca’s appearance boosts his visibility in the U.S., a key market for tennis. Playing alongside icons like Del Potro and Roddick elevates his profile as a rising global star.

US Open preparation

Fonseca enters the US Open aiming to surpass his best Grand Slam result, the third round, achieved at Roland Garros and Wimbledon in 2025. As a top-50 player, he earns a direct main draw entry, facing elite competition. His preparation included training sessions with players like Taylor Fritz, world No. 4, in New York, helping him adjust to the tournament’s fast courts.

Fonseca has excelled on hard courts, with notable wins over Ugo Humbert and Arthur Fils. His first ATP victory came against Fils at the 2024 Rio Open, and he also won the NextGen Finals in Jeddah, proving his ability to compete at a high level. To progress further in the US Open, Fonseca must improve his consistency in five-set matches, a challenge for his young career.

• Fonseca’s US Open goals:
  • Advance beyond the third round.
  • Solidify his top-50 ATP ranking.
  • Leverage Brazilian fan support in New York.

Playing with Del Potro in the exhibition could boost Fonseca’s confidence. The Argentine’s journey of overcoming challenges offers a roadmap for Fonseca’s own aspirations.

Del Potro’s influence

Juan Martin Del Potro, Fonseca’s exhibition partner, is a towering figure in South American tennis. His 2009 US Open triumph over Roger Federer inspired a generation of players in the region. Though retired since 2022, Del Potro’s powerful forehand and resilience remain iconic.

For Fonseca, sharing the court with Del Potro is a rare chance to learn from a role model. The Argentine has praised Fonseca’s maturity and work ethic in recent interviews, seeing parallels with his own career. Their partnership at Arthur Ashe Stadium, where Del Potro won his greatest title, creates a symbolic moment for both players.

• Del Potro’s lessons for Fonseca:
  • Resilience in overcoming physical and mental challenges.
  • Strategic use of a powerful forehand, a shared strength.
  • Building a connection with the crowd to enhance performance.

The Stars of the Open exhibition, beyond marking Fonseca’s 19th birthday, celebrates the legacy of South American tennis. Fonseca’s rise and Del Potro’s storied career converge on one of the sport’s grandest stages, promising a memorable night.