Joao Fonseca chose between Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer as the player he thinks is the greatest of all time.
The Brazilian grew up while the iconic pair and their fellow great of the game Rafael Nadal were dominating men’s tennis.
These three men inspired multiple generations of players and now Joao Fonseca is walking in their footsteps and aims to carve a legacy of his own.
But as he does so, the 18-year-old made sure to acknowledge some of the greatest to ever pick up a racket.
Photo by Shi Tang/Getty ImagesJoao Fonseca names Roger Federer as tennis’ greatest player after Novak Djokovic
Even after each player has retired, the greatest of time debate between Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic will likely continue.
The trio pushed the standard of the sport to new heights and broke records as they contested enthralling matches against one another.
Each person has their opinion on who they believe to be the greatest player of all time, and Joao Fonseca believes that is Federer. However, he did leave some special praise for Djokovic.
“Federer (is the greatest idol). It can’t be changed,” the Argentina Open winner and World number 68 said, according to ESPN Brazil.
“People may say Djokovic is the greatest of all time, but for me there is no competition. Djokovic might be the best of all time, but Federer is the greatest. Unmatched.”
Photo by TPN/Getty ImagesWhat did Joao Fonseca previously say about Roger Federer?
Fonseca has previously expressed his love and admiration for Federer and his game. This came following Fonseca’s remarkable victory over Andrey Rublev in the first round of the 2025 Australian Open.
While speaking to reporters in his post-match press conference, Fonseca described Federer as his idol who even tried to do a one-handed backhand just like the Swiss Maestro.
“My idol was always Roger. I grew up watching Roger. Of course, I think everyone wanted to play like him,” he told reporters.
“But I even tried, when I was younger, one-handed. I tried for, like, one week, and then I have something in my elbow, and then I forgot, I’m going to go two-handed again (smile). But, yeah, he is an idol for me. He inspires me.
“Gustavo Kuerten of course, the Brazilian one, he’s not only an idol as a player, but as a person. He’s such a nice person. I could meet him, and yeah, I think those two are my idols.”