Joao Fonseca has made a significant decision to pursue a professional tennis career following his recent participation in the Rio Open 2024 quarterfinals.
However, despite his success in Rio, Fonseca faced a setback as he was unable to retain his entire prize money, amounting to nearly $58,000. This limitation was reportedly due to a National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) regulation preventing collegiate tennis players from earning more than $10,000 in prize money.
Taking to Instagram to share his decision, Fonseca announced his intention to forfeit his college eligibility at the University of Virginia.
“To all supporters and tennis followers all over the world, I would like to announce that I will forgo my college eligibility and turn professional as of 2024,” he stated.
Fonseca has achieved notable milestones in recent months, including winning the US Open Boys’ singles title in September 2023. He also made history as the first player born in 2006 to win an ATP match, defeating Arthur Fils 6-0, 6-4 in the Rio Open first round. Despite a valiant effort, he fell short in the quarterfinals against Mariano Navone, losing 2-6, 6-3, 6-3.
Reflecting on his decision, Fonseca expressed the difficulty of leaving college behind, acknowledging his fondness for the collegiate tennis environment. However, he emphasized that the allure of professional tennis ultimately compelled him to take this significant step.
