Unlike some of Brazil’s sporting superstars, Fonseca’s story is not one of humble beginnings in the Rio favelas.
Fonseca grew up in a wealthy family and started playing tennis at the Rio de Janeiro Country Club – one of Brazil’s most exclusive private venues.
His father, Christiano, is a businessman who founded his own hedge fund company, while mother Roberta was a junior volleyball player who moved into sports event management.
“For me, tennis started as a hobby when I was 10 or 11,” Fonseca said.
“Things got more serious when I was 12 and I changed my coach and school.
“I started practising two times every day in the pandemic. Things changed very fast.”
Global sponsors began putting lucrative contracts on the table – including the On sportswear brand part-owned by Roger Federer – while leading agents offered their services.
But Fonseca’s parents have decided to guide him themselves with the help of manager Gustavo Abreu, a former colleague of Christiano.
“I have a very good base with my family and the team,” Fonseca added.
“They help me keep my feet on the ground and focus on my routine.
“They know what I need to do to improve my game and personality.”
