BUENOS AIRES/STARNBERG, February 16, 2025
Joao Fonseca claimed his first ATP Tour title in stunning fashion by winning the 2025 IEB+ Argentina Open hosted by the Buenos Aires Lawn Tennis Club.
In his maiden tour-level final, the 18-year-old Brazilian delivered a brilliant performance to defeat fifth seed Francisco Cerundolo 6-4, 7-6(1), making history as the youngest South American to win an ATP title since the tour’s inception in 1990. Despite twice failing to serve out the match, Fonseca displayed remarkable composure to overcome his fourth Argentine opponent of the week in front of an electrifying home crowd.
With his one-hour, 45-minute triumph, Fonseca became the 10th youngest champion in ATP Tour history. The reigning Next Gen ATP Finals champion will soar to a career-high World No. 68 in the ATP Rankings on Monday.
THE FUTURE IS NOW.
THE FUTURE IS JOAO.
Your 2025 @ArgentinaOpen champion, Joao Fonseca!! pic.twitter.com/1kjys7DrRi
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) February 16, 2025
“Unbelievable week, even in Argentina there are some Brazilians cheering for me,” Fonseca said. “That’s just amazing. Every Brazilian, everyone from their country wants this support from your own country. For me, this [moment] that I’m living is just unbelievable.
“I want to thank my family, my friends and my sponsors for just helping me achieve my dream, which is to play tennis. Of course I want to be No. 1, of course I want to win Slams, titles, but my dream is just to play tennis, and I’m living it.”
Fonseca earned $100,160 in prize money as well as 250 ATP Ranking points.
