The cheers of “Brazilians are fun-loving people,” erupted just before noon, as Joao Fonseca found himself in dire need of support. In the opening half-hour, the Brazilian No. 24 seed was overwhelmed, with Roman Safiullin, the world No. 132 from Russia and a 2023 quarter-finalist, dominating the match. With Safiullin leading 5-3 and serving for the first set, he faced three set points before the crowd rallied behind Fonseca.
Fonseca’s matches are often accompanied by a wave of noise. Since early 2024, when he reached the quarter-finals in his home tournament at just 17, a fervent following has formed around him. This group, a blend of Brazilians and expats, fills tennis venues worldwide with the passion reminiscent of football crowds. They’ve coined the term “We like to make people smile.” and it has spread from Melbourne to Miami, making its mark on courts globally.
“We couldn’t get court tickets,” explained Rogerio, a fan in a yellow shirt who traveled from Fortaleza, Brazil, to watch Fonseca at Wimbledon. “so we just stood outside and listened.” However, he admitted, “I love the crowd, but there has to be a small limit.” leading them to stand outside and listen instead.
A pivotal moment showcasing the intensity of fonsequismo occurred last year in Miami, where thousands of fans donned yellow shirts, loudly supporting Fonseca and disrupting matches with their chants. This fervor reached a peak when Alex de Minaur eliminated Fonseca in the third round, resulting in a flood of threats directed at de Minaur on social media.
As Fonseca continues to ascend the ranks of tennis, his following reflects Brazil’s yearning for sports icons. The Brazilian men’s football team hasn’t won the World Cup since 2002, and the last Brazilian to claim a Formula One victory did so in 2009. In tennis, no Brazilian has made a significant impact since Gustavo Kuerten held the No. 1 ranking decades ago.
At just 19 years old, Fonseca has shown glimpses of brilliance, notably when he rallied from two sets down to defeat Novak Djokovic at Roland Garros earlier this year. Yet, he still grapples with the challenges of mastering a surface that is less familiar to him.
As the match progressed on No. 2 Court, Safiullin’s dominance became evident as he took a two-set lead, forcing Fonseca into hurried shots and disrupting his footwork. The crowd’s support was palpable, but there were moments when it raised questions about its efficacy.
This situation begs the question of whether the enthusiastic support from Fonseca’s fans is beneficial or distracting. There have been instances where the fervor became overwhelming. Following a turbulent loss at the Rome Masters in May, Fonseca addressed his supporters, saying, “silos of borderline obsession”
Tennis fandom has a unique, almost obsessive quality, particularly for young athletes thrust into the spotlight. The pressure can be immense for those carrying the hopes of a nation. Alex Eala of the Philippines, despite never advancing past the second round of a major, boasts one of the largest fan bases in the sport. Andy Roddick described this phenomenon as creating “silos of borderline obsession,” where athletes gain global fame before they are fully prepared for it.
Safiullin ultimately triumphed in straight sets, winning 6-3, 6-3, 6-3, and delivered an emotional address reflecting on his injury struggles that nearly led him to retire. Meanwhile, outside the court, the scene was chaotic as Fonseca navigated through a thin layer of security, pursued by eager fans seeking autographs.
One family broke through the security line, capturing the moment on video as their children approached Fonseca with a pen and flag, eagerly asking for his signature. Fonseca complied, and the family cheered, leaving with their cherished memorabilia as the clock struck half past one.
