NEW YORK — The US Open debut of Brazilian teenage sensation Joao Fonseca came to a sudden and distressing halt on Wednesday when the 17-year-old qualifier fell violently ill during his second-round match against American Christopher Eubanks, ultimately being forced to retire after throwing up on the court.
Fonseca, who captured the attention of the tennis world with a stunning first-round victory over 32nd seed Lorenzo Musetti, called for the physio at 4-4 in the first set. Visibly pale and struggling, the young star from Rio de Janeiro was seen bending over and holding his stomach before the situation escalated dramatically moments later.
As play resumed, Fonseca attempted to serve but immediately doubled over, vomiting onto the blue hard court of Court 17. The incident prompted immediate concern from officials, his opponent, and the stunned spectators. After a brief discussion with the tournament doctor, the decision was made to retire from the match.
A Promising Start Cut Short
Fonseca’s arrival at this US Open had been one of the stories of the tournament’s opening days. The 2023 Junior US Open champion had successfully navigated the qualifying rounds to make his main-draw Grand Slam debut. His powerful, aggressive game and fearless attitude had already drawn comparisons to his idol, Carlos Alcaraz.
His first-round triumph over the experienced Italian Musetti was a statement win. Fonseca showcased a complete game, blending thunderous forehands with delicate touch at the net. The victory made him the first player born in 2006 to win a main-draw match at a major and had positioned him as a breakout star.
Tennis commentator and former player Brad Gilbert noted on ESPN, "The kid has no fear. He plays like he belongs here. This is a massive disappointment for everyone watching; we were all excited to see how far he could go."
The Distressing On-Court Scene
The trouble began subtly. Early in the first set against the towering Eubanks, Fonseca’s movement seemed slightly off. His explosive energy, a hallmark of his first match, was diminished. By the fourth game, he was taking deep breaths between points and wiping his brow despite the comfortable New York evening temperatures.
At 4-4, Fonseca finally signaled that he needed assistance. The chair umpire called for the physiotherapist, who rushed to his side. Fonseca could be seen explaining his symptoms, pointing to his abdomen and throat. After a short assessment, he attempted to continue.
The attempt was brief. As he prepared to serve, his body gave out. The scene was met with a collective gasp from the crowd, followed by a concerned silence. Eubanks immediately grabbed a towel and some water and brought it over to his distressed opponent, a gesture of sportsmanship that was widely praised.
Immediate Aftermath and Reaction
Following his retirement, Fonseca was escorted from the court by medical personnel and taken to the tournament’s training room for further evaluation. While the exact cause of his illness was not immediately confirmed, initial reports pointed to a potential stomach virus or severe dehydration.
Christopher Eubanks expressed his concern in his post-match press conference, stating, "I just hope he's okay. That's never the way you want to win a match. He's a tremendous young talent, and I wish him a speedy recovery."
The ATP Tour confirmed the retirement and noted that the result would see Eubanks advance to the third round. For Fonseca, the premature end denies him valuable ranking points and experience, but the display of his potential has undoubtedly made a lasting impression.
A Bright Future Ahead
Despite the unfortunate conclusion to his US Open campaign, Fonseca’s future remains incredibly bright. His performance in New York confirmed the hype that has surrounded him in South American tennis circles for years. His game is built on a solid foundation with several key strengths:
- Powerful Groundstrokes: His forehand is a major weapon, capable of generating incredible pace.
- Net Play: Unusually advanced for a teenager, he shows great comfort and skill when volleying.
- Mental Fortitude: His composure in defeating a seeded player in his Slam debut speaks volumes.
He is expected to rise rapidly up the rankings from his current position just outside the top 300. This run in New York, though cut short, will provide a significant boost and likely earn him direct entry into more ATP-level events in the future.
Fans and Fellow Players Show Support
Social media was quickly flooded with messages of support for the young Brazilian. The tennis community, known for its camaraderie in moments of adversity, rallied around Fonseca. Brazilian tennis legend Gustavo Kuerten, a three-time French Open champion, posted on X (formerly Twitter):
"Força, Joao! So sorry to see your tournament end this way. You made all of Brazil incredibly proud this week. Your time will come again very soon. Rest up and get well!"
The official account of the ATP Tour also sent its well wishes, posting: "Feel better soon, Joao. Wishing you a quick recovery." This outpouring of support highlights the respect he has already garnered in the locker room.
Looking Forward
For Joao Fonseca, the immediate focus will be on rest and recovery. The physical and emotional toll of such a public incident can be significant, especially for a young athlete. His team will undoubtedly prioritize his health before mapping out the next steps in his burgeoning career.
While his 2024 US Open will be remembered for its jarring conclusion, it should also be remembered as the launching pad for a remarkable talent. The image of a ill teenager on court will soon be replaced, his fans hope, by the image of that same teenager hoisting trophies in the years to come.
His journey is just beginning. This setback, though difficult, is merely a chapter in what promises to be a long and successful story. The tennis world will be eagerly awaiting the return of Joao Fonseca, healthy and ready to once again showcase the dazzling potential that lit up Flushing Meadows.