Anna 
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — João Fonseca capped off a remarkable week with his first tour-level title, defeating Francisco Cerúndolo in straight sets in the Argentina Open final on Sunday. The 18-year-old Brazilian triumphed 6-4, 7-6 (1) on the clay courts of Buenos Aires.
The match, held at an ATP 250 event, drew passionate support from local fans, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of an Argentina vs. Brazil soccer match.
“This has been an unbelievable week for me,” Fonseca said after the win. The young star, who won the Next Gen ATP Finals last December, had already made a splash earlier this year by defeating ninth-ranked Andrey Rublev in the first round of the Australian Open.
Looking ahead, Fonseca shared his goals. “I want to be No. 1, I want to win Slams and titles,” he said. “But my dream is just to play tennis, and I am living it right now.”
Fonseca’s victory marks a historic milestone. According to the ATP, he is the first player born in 2006 or later to win an ATP title. At just 18, he is now the 10th youngest champion in ATP history and the youngest South American player to win a title since the ATP Tour began in 1990.
With the win, Fonseca will move up to No. 68 in the ATP rankings on Monday.
The tennis world quickly took notice of his achievement. Carlos Alcaraz, the 21-year-old four-time Grand Slam champion, praised Fonseca on social media, writing, “Impressive, João.”
Three-time Grand Slam winner Andy Murray also joined in the excitement. “Can’t wait for the first Fonseca vs. Alcaraz match,” he posted.
Former World No. 1 Boris Becker was equally impressed. “Watch this young man from Brazil. The sky is the limit…” he commented.
Next week, Fonseca will return to his home country to compete in the Rio Open, an ATP 500 event. He reached the quarterfinals there last year and will face Frenchman Alexandre Muller, ranked 58th, in his opening match on Tuesday.
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