Swiss cheers: Teen Fonseca celebrates biggest career title

BASEL, Switzerland — Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca clinched the biggest title of his career on Sunday, storming past Spanish eighth seed Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 6-3, 6-4 to win the Swiss Indoors Championships in Basel.

The victory marks the 19-year-old's second tour-level title, his maiden triumph coming in Buenos Aires in February, and his first at the ATP 500 level.

Fonseca also became the first Brazilian to claim a title above the ATP 250 level since former world No 1 Gustavo Kuerten won the ATP Masters 1000 in Cincinnati, Ohio, back in 2001.

"It is crazy," Fonseca said. "I want to thank my family and my coaches who helped me achieve this amazing feat.

"My parents just came from Brazil. They were coming to Paris, and changed their flights and came here an hour before the match with my uncles. It is just amazing to have them here for the biggest title of my career. It is a pleasure playing this sport and this tournament, and I am very happy."

Fonseca's triumph will propel him into the top 30 of the ATP world rankings for the first time when the updated standings are released on Monday. He is currently ranked 46th.

Fonseca set the tone early in the contest, breaking Davidovich Fokina to race into a 3-0 lead in the opening set. Although Davidovich Fokina managed to break back, Fonseca's power proved too much for the 26-year-old.

Fonseca fired 15 winners in the first set, closing it out with relative ease.

He started the second set in similar fashion, breaking early to take a 2-0 lead. He remained composed after failing to convert a championship point on return at 5-3, sealing the win in one hour and 25 minutes.

"We keep going. It's the first ATP 500, but, hopefully, it's not going to be the last," Fonseca said.

He also reflected on his childhood inspiration, Swiss maestro and record 10-time Basel champion Roger Federer.

"I watched Roger playing this tournament on TV since I was young, and winning, like, 10 times, if I'm not mistaken. It's a pleasure playing on this court and playing here for the first time. For sure, it won't be the last time," Fonseca said.

"It's crazy how everywhere I go, there are some Brazilians cheering and calling my name. It's a pleasure representing this amazing country. Thanks so much to everyone who came and cheered for me today."

For Davidovich Fokina, the loss marked his fourth final loss this year and fifth overall.

Despite the setback, he was gracious in defeat.

"You (Fonseca) played unbelievable tennis today. You have a bright future for sure," Davidovich Fokina said.

Sinner fights back

Italian top seed Jannik Sinner produced a spirited comeback to defeat Germany's Alexander Zverev 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 in the Vienna Open final on Sunday, securing his fourth ATP Tour title of the season and his second triumph in Austria's capital.

Sinner, who beat Zverev in straight sets at this year's Australian Open, has now won 21 consecutive matches on indoor hard courts. The 24-year-old has also notched 22 tour-level titles and 51 career wins against fellow top-10 players.

The world No 2 banged down 11 aces and unleashed 44 winners in a thrilling contest that lasted two hours and 28 minutes.

"It feels amazing," Sinner said. "It was such a difficult start in the final for me. Down a break ... I had some chances in the first set, but couldn't use them. He was serving very well.

"I tried to stick there mentally, trying to play my best tennis when it counted. Third set was a bit of a roller coaster. I was feeling the ball very well at times. I tried to push.

"Very happy to win another title. It's very special."

The win also allowed the four-time Grand Slam champion to level his head-to-head record against Zverev at four wins apiece.

"I'd like to congratulate Jannik, whose level has been off the charts these last two years," Zverev said. "Currently, for me you're the best player in the world.

"What an amazing year. Four Grand Slam finals and two Grand Slam titles. This week of course, simply the best player here in Vienna."

World No 3 Zverev saved a break point to hold the opening game, before getting a break over Sinner to go 3-1 up in the first set. Zverev won the set 6-3, landing four aces, while Sinner had two, with the 28-year-old German dominating the rallies.

Sinner fought back in the second set, outwitting Zverev with a cross-court dropshot to get his first break, going 2-0 up.

"Yeah, it was very difficult, of course," Sinner said.

Reuters