Joao Fonseca trains ahead of Estoril Open

World no. 65 Joao Fonseca arrived in Portugal ahead of the 175 Estoril Open Challenger. A teenager wished he could have withdraw from Estoril and remain at the Madrid Masters until next week. However, he fell in the second round to Tommy Paul and made no changes in his schedule.

Thus, Joao will chase his fourth Challenger title and the first on clay. His first rival is Jesper de Jong. Fonseca made a promising start in Madrid and passed the first obstacle, like a year ago. However, the Brazilian squandered his chances against Paul and hit the exit door.

The American took the pivotal points in a 7-6, 7-6 victory, fending off four set points and prevailing in straight sets after two hours and five minutes. 

While we still wait for the power to comeback…

João Fonseca 🇧🇷

Nuno Borges 🇵🇹

And a very high level practice session. pic.twitter.com/rviOnQRx2r

— Millennium #EstorilOpen (@EstorilOpen) April 28, 2025

Joao generated two set points in each set, missing his opportunities and sending his rival over the top. A teenager led 6-4 in the tie break of the opening set. He wasted those chances and squandered two more on the return in the tenth game of the second set.

The American claimed only three points more than the Brazilian. Joao faced only one break point and kept the pressure on the other side. Paul played against 11 break points and denied ten to resist and bring the victory home. 

The more experienced player hit 32 direct points and 28 unforced errors. Joao sprayed 37 mistakes and plagued his chances in the pivotal moments. Fonseca had a massive chance to forge an early lead after earning four break points at 1-1. 

He wasted them and made another push two games later at 2-2. Tommy saved them with service winners and remained on the positive side. They served well in the second part of the set and arranged a tie break. 

Joao grabbed three…