Carlos Alcaraz finally faced teenage sensation Joao Fonseca in their hotly anticipated first meeting, albeit at an exhibition event. The world No. 1 came back from 0-5 down in the first-to-10-point match tiebreak to seal a 7-5 2-6 [10-8] victory on a unique court built inside the LoanDepot Park – the ballpark home to MLB team, the Miami Marlins.
The six-time Major winner and the world No. 24 also teamed up with Jessica Pegula and Amanda Anisimova for a mixed doubles competition. Anisimova got the better of Pegula in their singles clash, but it was Alcaraz and Pegula who came out on top in the 10-point mixed doubles tiebreak.
Ahead of his first clash with Fonseca, the world No. 1 said his rival had “entered the tour with a lot of force”, and talked up his game. After sealing victory, Alcaraz told Tennis Channel: “Well, it was really, really special playing with Joao.
“I haven’t ever played against him, so this was the first time, in this beautiful scenario. Never played in a baseball stadium before. So it was really special coming back to Miami in front of these amazing people that bring, always, a great energy. It was a great opportunity and a special moment.”
Fonseca, meanwhile, learned how difficult it was to face the six-time Grand Slam champion. Laughing, he replied: “Yeah, I almost got it, guys! It’s tough, he has a little bit of skill and the guy is good, the guy is really good. It’s a pleasure being here, it’s a pleasure playing against Carlos. Very thankful for Carlos, and congratulations.”
The Brazilian enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2025, starting the year on a high when he qualified for the Australian Open and stunned No. 9 seed Andrey Rublev on his Grand Slam main draw debut. Fonseca followed it up by winning his maiden tour title in Buenos Aires a few weeks later.
And the 19-year-old had an even stronger end to the season, collecting his second trophy at the ATP 500 event in Basel and reaching a career-high ranking of No. 24, having started the year outside of the world’s top 140.
Fonseca vowed to shave his head after winning his biggest title at the Swiss Indoors, and he delivered, arriving in Miami with a new buzzcut. And the teenage star wasn’t the only opponent Alcaraz faced in Florida.
Alcaraz also had the chance to hit with Ronaldo Nazario on the unique court inside the Marlins’ home stadium. Ronaldo later signed a shirt for the 22-year-old before watching the players in action.