Teen sensation Fonseca exits French Open with new conviction

Nineteen-year-old Brazilian tennis player Joao Fonseca acknowledged that his journey to the French Open quarter-finals has provided valuable insights into his game and physical capabilities, following his defeat by Jakub Mensik on Tuesday. Fonseca lost the match 6-4, 6-3, 7-6(3) to the Czech player, but considered his first Grand Slam quarter-final appearance a success that surpassed his initial expectations, especially after arriving in Paris with concerns about a recent injury.

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Coming from a little injury and not having any expectations for this tournament and doing a great run, this is a positive week.

"Coming from a little injury and not having any expectations for this tournament and doing a great run, this is a positive week," Fonseca told reporters. He added that the tournament has given him "more conviction and more confidence to keep going and for sure understanding a little bit more body and my limits." Fonseca, who notably defeated Novak Djokovic and Casper Ruud in earlier rounds, felt the fortnight demonstrated his body's resilience under the demanding physical conditions of Grand Slam tennis, reinforcing his belief that he is progressing positively.

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This tournament gives me more conviction and more confidence to keep going and for sure understanding a little bit more body and my limits.

"I never saw my limit yet, but I already know that I can be comfortable with my physique," he stated. "I think it's more comfortable with my game, the way that I'm playing, that my mentality is on the right path...Maybe it's the same Joao, but finding new stuff." The young player expressed admiration for Mensik's performance, particularly his serve and composure in crucial moments. "His serve is amazing. The most important thing is he knows how to play in important moments. He's not afraid. Today was not me playing bad. It was all his merit," Fonseca commented.

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I never saw my limit yet, but I already know that I can be comfortable with my physique.

Despite the loss, Fonseca is looking forward to the grass-court season with encouragement from his performance in Paris. "Looking forward to reset now," he said. "Going back home, enjoy a little bit with the family and then go again for another swing."

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His serve is amazing. The most important thing is he knows how to play in important moments. He's not afraid. Today was not me playing bad. It was all his merit.