Joao Fonseca wins by default in his debut against Davidovich Fokina at ATP Cincinnati 2025

Joao Fonseca advanced to the next round of the ATP Cincinnati 2025 after Alejandro Davidovich Fokina retired during their round of 64 match on August 9 at the Lindner Family Tennis Center, USA. The clash, expected to be a tight battle between the 18-year-old Brazilian, ranked world number 52, and the Spanish 17th seed, ranked 18th, ended with Fonseca leading 6/4, 5/4 in the second set. Davidovich Fokina’s withdrawal, likely due to physical issues, handed the victory by W.O. to the Brazilian, marking an unexpected start to his tournament campaign. The match, broadcast live on Tennis Channel in the U.S., drew attention for Fonseca’s rising profile and Davidovich Fokina’s strong form, coming off a final in Washington. The Spaniard’s retirement raises questions about his physical condition, while Fonseca gains momentum for the challenges ahead.

The matchup was anticipated as a test for the Brazilian facing an in-form opponent. Davidovich Fokina, known for his versatile game and court movement, arrived in Cincinnati with a solid season, including three finals in 2025. Meanwhile, Fonseca, in his Cincinnati debut, came off a hard-fought win against China’s Bu Yunchaokete, showing resilience on hard courts.

• Match highlights:
  • Fonseca won the first set 6/4, capitalizing on the Spaniard’s errors.
  • Davidovich Fokina was trailing 4/5 in the second set before retiring.
  • The Brazilian converted 5 of 7 break points, showcasing aggression.
  • The match lasted just over an hour, with 67 points played.

Match halted: what happened on court

The match began with intense exchanges, both players showing consistency on serve. Fonseca, with his aggressive and powerful style, broke Davidovich Fokina’s serve in the first set, closing it 6/4 after 40 minutes. The Spaniard, coming off a grueling season, appeared less comfortable, committing four double faults and landing only 47% of first serves. In the second set, Davidovich Fokina mounted a comeback but showed signs of physical discomfort, leading to his retirement before the tenth game.

The W.O. surprised fans, as the Spaniard was the betting favorite with odds of -152 against +120 for Fonseca. The withdrawal may be linked to fatigue, with Davidovich Fokina playing 70 matches in 2025, holding a 34-19 win-loss record. The Spaniard, who reached the Washington final two weeks earlier, also retired in Toronto against Andrey Rublev, suggesting a possible recurring injury.

Fonseca’s journey: Brazil’s rising tennis star

At 18, Joao Fonseca is cementing his status as one of South America’s brightest tennis prospects. His Cincinnati win, even by W.O., underscores his potential in high-level tournaments. The Brazilian, who won the Buenos Aires title earlier in 2025, has shown progress on hard courts, with notable third-round runs at Wimbledon and the US Open this year.

• Fonseca’s 2025 numbers:
  • 16 wins and 12 losses on the ATP circuit.
  • First career title in Buenos Aires on clay.
  • 13 aces and 45 winners in his first-round win over Bu Yunchaokete.
  • Current ranking of 52, with projections to break into the top 50.

Fonseca now faces a potential next-round opponent in Italy’s Flavio Cobolli, world number 17, in a matchup that will test his ability to compete against seasoned players. His ability to vary shots and maintain aggression will be key to advancing further.

Davidovich Fokina: a season of highs and lows

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina’s 2025 season has been a mix of brilliance and setbacks. The Spaniard reached a career-high 18th ranking, driven by three finals, but has yet to claim a title. In Washington, he was one point away from beating Alex de Minaur but fell in a dramatic tiebreak.

His Cincinnati withdrawal reignites concerns about his physical condition. After retiring in Toronto against Rublev, Davidovich Fokina may face challenges maintaining his pace late in the season, especially with the US Open looming. His team has not disclosed details about the physical issue, but his intense schedule may have contributed to the strain.

• Davidovich Fokina’s recent performance:
  • Runner-up in Washington, losing to Alex de Minaur.
  • Wins over Ben Shelton and Corentin Moutet in the US Open swing.
  • 69% of his 2025 matches went over 20.5 games, indicating long battles.
  • 72% first-serve win rate in Cincinnati before the W.O.

Tournament impact and Fonseca’s outlook

The W.O. victory gives Fonseca a strategic edge, conserving energy for the next round. The ATP Cincinnati, a key US Open warm-up event, features stars like Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, and Iga Swiatek, amplifying the Brazilian’s exposure. His projected draw includes potential clashes with Fritz, Rune, or Sinner, offering a chance to solidify his reputation.

For Fonseca, the moment is about capitalizing on newfound confidence. His first-round win over Bu Yunchaokete (4/6, 6/2, 7/5) showcased resilience, with 45 winners and a strong serving performance. His ability to adapt to Cincinnati’s fast courts will be tested, but the W.O. provides a psychological boost.

US Open preparation and expectations

The ATP Cincinnati is a critical stop in the hard-court season, and Davidovich Fokina’s withdrawal highlights the circuit’s unpredictability. For Fonseca, the tournament is an opportunity to earn ranking points and gain experience in elite matchups. The Brazilian, who faced players like Nicolas Jarry and Jenson Brooksby in 2025, shows composure in clutch moments despite his young age.

• Factors favoring Fonseca:
  • Aggressive playstyle with powerful forehands and solid movement.
  • Experience in major tournaments like Wimbledon and the US Open.
  • Less physical wear after the W.O., compared to opponents.
  • Growing support from Brazilian fans, fueled by his rise.

Davidovich Fokina, meanwhile, must focus on recovery for the US Open, where he has reached the fourth round in past editions. His versatile game, blending varied spins and speed, makes him a dangerous opponent when healthy. The question now is whether he can regain full fitness for the final Grand Slam of the year.

Brazilian tennis in the Cincinnati spotlight

Brazilian tennis is experiencing a revival, with Fonseca leading the new generation. At 18, he is already drawing comparisons to Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner for his precocity, as noted by fans and analysts on social media. His Cincinnati W.O. win, while not demanding maximum effort, reinforces his presence in an elite tournament and raises expectations for his future.

Brazil hasn’t had a male player in the top 50 since Gustavo Kuerten, and Fonseca is emerging as a candidate to change that. His 2025 season, with a Buenos Aires title and strong Grand Slam showings, suggests he can aim higher. The ATP Cincinnati, with its competitive atmosphere, is an ideal stage for the Brazilian to showcase his potential.

Looking ahead to the next round

With his advancement secured, Fonseca prepares for a tougher challenge in the round of 32. Italy’s Flavio Cobolli, ranked 17th, is the likely opponent, presenting a demanding test. Cobolli, known for his consistency and baseline game, will require a precise tactical approach from Fonseca.

• Keys for the next match:
  • Maintain serving aggression, targeting at least 65% first serves.
  • Leverage his forehand to dominate rallies against Cobolli.
  • Minimize unforced errors, which were just 9 against Davidovich Fokina.
  • Harness crowd support to stay focused in critical moments.

Fonseca’s Cincinnati campaign will be a gauge for his US Open ambitions, where he aims to surpass his third-round mark. For Davidovich Fokina, the focus is on physical and mental recovery to avoid further withdrawals. Tennis, with its unpredictability, continues to captivate, and the interrupted Cincinnati match is another chapter in that story.