Rising Star Prioritizes Recovery After Grueling Season, Still Plans Miami Exhibition
JEDDAH:Defending champion João Fonseca has withdrawn from the upcoming Next Gen ATP Finals in December due to a sustained injury. Organizers confirmed the young player requires additional time to recover following a grueling 2025 season that saw him break into the ATP Top 25.
Fonseca, who won the title last year as the second-youngest champion in the tournament’s history, suffered the injury during the closing stages of the season. His withdrawal from the Finals, set to be held in Jeddah, allows him to prioritize his return to full fitness ahead of the 2026 season. The Brazilian is currently expected to begin his 2026 campaign at the tournaments in Brisbane and Adelaide.
The 19-year-old had a breakthrough year on the main tour in 2025, securing his first two ATP titles in Buenos Aires (ATP 250) and Basel (ATP 500). His achievements underscore his status as one of the brightest young talents in men’s tennis.
Despite his withdrawal from the competitive Finals, Fonseca is still scheduled to feature in an exhibition match against former World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz in Miami on December 8.
Last year, Fonseca arrived in Jeddah as the youngest qualifier in the draw, defeating Learner Tien in the final with a score of 2-4, 4-3, 4-0, 4-2, to claim the championship. The vacancy created by his withdrawal will be filled by the next eligible player in the ATP Race to Jeddah rankings.
