João Fonseca loses exhibition match to Carlos Alcaraz; video

Obviously, as it was an exhibition match, it didn't have the same flavor as a dispute worth points for the ATP rankings. But the long-awaited duel between João Fonseca and Carlos Alcaraz, the main attraction of the Miami Invitationalon Monday night (8), was a preview of what could happen in the coming years. In the end, the Spaniard, leader of the ranking, 22 years old, won by 7/5, 2/6 and 10/8, to the applause of the audience present in good numbers to LoanDepot Park, the baseball stadium.

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– I almost did it, guys (laughs). He's great, he plays well, it's a pleasure to play against Carlos. And congratulations to him – said Brazil's 19-year-old number 1, who led 5/0 in the matchtiebreak, still on the court.

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The world number 1 thanked the fans for their presence and said he was happy to return to play in Miami, the city where he won the first of his eight Masters 1000 titles. At 22 years old, the Spaniard also has six Grand Slam trophies: two at Roland Garros (2024 and 2025), two at Wimbledon (23/24) and two at the US Open (22/25).

Below, one of the best points from the match between Alcaraz and João Fonseca:

João Fonseca loses the mixed doubles matchtiebreak

Before the singles game, Alcaraz, alongside American Jessica Pegula, beat the pair formed by the Brazilian and fellow host Amanda Anisimova, 10/8 (only one matchtiebreak was played).

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The pupil of coach Guilherme Teixeira, from Yes Tennis, was full of praise for the leader of the ranking, before arriving in Miami:

– He really encourages us to believe and stay motivated to be better players.. He is a tennis player who represents very well a way of taking things calmly, always smiling, but at the same time dedicating himself and working hard. It's going to be a day with a lot of teaching, it's going to be really cool, especially with a guy like him, with whom I've always had a good relationship. Whenever we cross paths, we greet each other and chat a little, he is a very nice person.

One of the special guests at this party night in Miami was Ronaldo Fenômeno, who hit the ball and presented the leader of the ranking with an autographed Brazilian team shirt.