Jannik Sinner needed two tight sets to finish off rising threat Joao Fonseca on Tuesday as the Italian advanced to the last eight of the Indian Wells Masters 7-6 (6), 7-6 (4).
The second seed led by a set and 5-2 but was broken to love while serving to close it out at 5-4.
It took a second tiebreaker to advance over a 19-year-old opponent tipped to also become a major factor in the sport and a likely younger rival to Sinner and world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz.
Sinner, 24, had to save three Fonseca set points in the opener and emerged after a tough test which required over an hour per set to win.
“It felt like an important match, important points. I found some good solutions, but it was very tough, tough match,” the winner said.
“He’s a very, very high-quality player, so I’m very happy to get the win.
“In both tiebreaks, I tried to go for it, trying to be aggressive, which I felt like today was maybe the key.”
Sinner added: “It’s tough to play against him. I served very well throughout, but maybe dropped a bit at the end of the second.
“I felt the important moments went my way, which can decide these matches.”
Sinner has reached the quarter-finals in 11 of the 12 Masters events since the start of 2024.
He is now three shy of his Masters victory century, leading his nation in that category.
