Carlos Alcaraz beat Joao Fonseca at the Miami Invitational exhibition (Image: Getty)
Carlos Alcaraz faced teenage sensation Joao Fonseca on a very unusual tennis court.
Carlos Alcaraz finally faced teenage sensation Joao Fonseca in their hotly anticipated first meeting, albeit at an exhibition event. The world No. 1 came back from 0-5 down in the first-to-10-point match tiebreak to seal a 7-5 2-6 [10-8] victory on a unique court built inside the LoanDepot Park – the ballpark home to MLB team, the Miami Marlins.
The six-time Major winner and the world No. 24 also teamed up with Jessica Pegula and Amanda Anisimova for a mixed doubles competition. Anisimova got the better of Pegula in their singles clash, but it was Alcaraz and Pegula who came out on top in the 10-point mixed doubles tiebreak.Ahead of his first clash with Fonseca, the world No. 1 said his rival had “entered the tour with a lot of force”, and talked up his game. After sealing victory, Alcaraz told Tennis Channel: “Well, it was really, really special playing with Joao.
“I haven’t ever played against him, so this was the first time, in this beautiful scenario. Never played in a baseball stadium before. So it was really special coming back to Miami in front of these amazing people that bring, always, a great energy. It was a great opportunity and a special moment.”Fonseca, meanwhile, learned how difficult it was to face the six-time Grand Slam champion. Laughing, he replied: “Yeah, I almost got it, guys! It’s tough, he has a little bit of skill and the guy is good, the guy is really good. It’s a pleasure being here, it’s a pleasure playing against Carlos. Very thankful for Carlos, and congratulations.”
