US Open live: Fonseca shines, beats Kecmanovic in 1st set in intense duel

João Fonseca, Brazil’s young tennis prodigy, is leading Serbia’s Miomir Kecmanovic in his US Open 2025 debut, held on Sunday, August 24, at the Grandstand court in New York. The 18-year-old won the first set 7-6 in a thrilling tie-break and keeps the second set tied at 2-2. The match, broadcast live on ESPN, SporTV 3, and Disney+, captivates Brazilian fans who cheer Fonseca’s grit in his first main draw appearance at the Grand Slam. The duel highlights the Brazilian’s rise in professional tennis, facing an experienced opponent on one of the sport’s biggest stages. The crowd at the stadium fuels the young player, who aims to advance to the second round.

The match began with intense exchanges, showcasing both players’ competitiveness. Fonseca, ranked 44th in the ATP, overcame a slow start and clinched the first set with aggressive plays, like a forehand parallel that energized the crowd. In the second set, both players traded breaks, with Fonseca hitting aces and powerful smashes. The match tests the Brazilian against Kecmanovic, world number 45, in their first professional encounter.

• Key moments so far:
• Fonseca won the 1st set in a tie-break (7-3) with precise serves.
• Brazilian broke Kecmanovic’s serve in the 2nd set with a backhand parallel.
• Kecmanovic fought back with breaks but made unforced errors.
• Fonseca confirmed a game with an ace after a smash hit a spectator.

First set: Fonseca dominates tie-break

The first set was tight, with both players holding serve until the tie-break. Fonseca started slowly, struggling with Kecmanovic’s powerful serves, but gained momentum with crowd support. A forehand parallel shifted the game’s flow, boosting the Brazilian’s confidence. In the tie-break, he dominated, capitalizing on Kecmanovic’s errors, like a ball into the net, to close the set 7-3. The changeover showed Fonseca’s resilience, countering the Serb’s aggressive plays.

The tie-break reflected Fonseca’s aggressive style, landing 70% of first serves and converting 38% of break points. Kecmanovic, despite his consistency, made two critical unforced errors, allowing Fonseca to take the lead. The Brazilian crowd roared, especially after an ace sealed the set.

Second set: breaks and intensity

The second set started with Kecmanovic breaking Fonseca’s serve in the first game, but the Brazilian quickly responded with a precise backhand parallel. The score remains 2-2, with both players showing power and resilience. Fonseca impressed with a strong smash that accidentally hit a spectator, but he apologized and refocused, confirming his serve with an ace. Kecmanovic keeps the pressure with solid serves, but his unforced errors, like a long return, give Fonseca opportunities.

• Second set stats so far:
• Fonseca: 2 aces, 1 double fault, 68% first serve accuracy.
• Kecmanovic: 1 ace, 2 unforced errors, 62% first serve accuracy.
• Match duration: approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.
• Break points: 1/3 for Fonseca, 1/2 for Kecmanovic.

Player profiles on court

João Fonseca, at just 18, is a rising star in global tennis. His 2025 season included winning the ATP 250 in Buenos Aires and beating top-10 player Andrey Rublev at the Australian Open. His Cincinnati Masters run, reaching the third round, showed growth on hard courts, with a 79.9% service game win rate. However, his 26 double faults in the last ten matches are a concern against Kecmanovic.

Miomir Kecmanovic, 25, has two ATP titles, including Delray Beach in 2025. Despite experience, his year has been uneven, with 14 wins and 10 losses on hard courts. His baseline consistency and 45.7% break point conversion are strengths, but lapses in focus, as seen against Sebastian Korda in Winston-Salem, could be exploited by Fonseca.

Crowd and atmosphere in New York

The Brazilian crowd at the Grandstand, Flushing Meadows’ third-largest court, has been a game-changer for Fonseca. Cheers erupt after every point, especially following plays like the second-set smash. This energy helps Fonseca stay confident in high-pressure moments, like the first-set tie-break. The vibrant atmosphere, with an 8,000-seat capacity, enhances the match’s intensity.

• Crowd impact:
• Strong Brazilian presence in New York, cheering Fonseca on.
• Support after aggressive plays, like parallels and aces.
• Lively Grandstand atmosphere, hosting up to 8,000 fans.

Match significance for the tournament

Fonseca’s US Open 2025 debut marks a milestone, especially after winning the junior title in 2023. Beating Kecmanovic could lead to a second-round clash with Luca Nardi or Tomas Machac, with potential matchups against Jakub Mensik, Taylor Fritz, or Novak Djokovic later. For Fonseca, advancing is key to solidifying his top-50 ranking and building confidence for 2026.

The duel is also critical for Kecmanovic, who has never gone beyond the second round at the US Open. A first-round loss could heighten pressure on the Serb, aiming to regain his top-30 form. The tight match, with potential for long sets, is a highlight of the opening round.

What to expect next

With Fonseca holding the edge after the first set, he has a psychological advantage, but Kecmanovic remains a threat with his experience. Analytics from Stats Insider give Fonseca a 58% win probability, driven by his aggressive style and 79.9% service game win rate on hard courts. Kecmanovic’s 45.7% break point conversion could turn the tide if he capitalizes on Fonseca’s double faults.

• Factors that could decide the match:
• Error control: Fonseca must cut down on double faults (26 in 10 matches).
• Serve performance: Fonseca has 79.9% vs. Kecmanovic’s 80.3% on hard courts.
• Rally endurance: Kecmanovic leads in long rallies, with 38% break point conversion.
• Mindset: Fonseca thrives with crowd support, while Kecmanovic leans on experience.