JEDDAH - Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca became the second-youngest champion of the Next Gen ATP Finals, when he defied his world No. 145 ranking to defeat 122nd-ranked Learner Tien in the decider on Dec 22.
The 18-year-old overcame his 19-year-old American opponent 2-4, 4-3 (10-8), 4-0, 4-2 at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia to bag US$526,480 (S$713,400) in prize money.
He is the youngest champion at this tournament for players aged 20 and under since current world No. 1 Jannik Sinner claimed the title at the age of 18 five years ago.
"I was really nervous before the match," Fonseca, the lowest-ranked player in the eight-man field, said before lifting the trophy with tennis legend Rafael Nadal watching on from the stands. "I knew it was going to be so difficult.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der December 24, 2024-Ausgabe von The Straits Times.
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Diese Geschichte stammt aus der December 24, 2024-Ausgabe von The Straits Times.
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