Fonseca to provide a tough start for Alcaraz

Rising Brazilian Joao Fonseca moved into position as the first challenge as Carlos Alcaraz begins his Miami Open title defence on Friday against the teenager qwho dispatched Fabian Marozsan 6-4, 3-6, 6-2.

Fonseca moved int a first-time encounter with Spain’s world No. 1 after a win lasting for almost two hours

.“I’m excited for sure,  I look forward to playing against the top players. I played against Jannik last tournament (Indian Wells) , and now I’m playing against Carlos,” Fonseca said.

“It’s just a super experience, so I’m looking forward to it for sure and it’s going to be a great match. Hopefully I can get the win.”

Fonseca is boosted by legions of countrymen in heavily Latino Miami. he won despite 27 unfroced errors.

“The crowd really helped me to stay positive throughout the whole match, so I’m very happy with this win and hopefully I can continue playing like this during this tournament.”

Former top 10 regular Stefanos Tsitsipas, his ranking now down to 51st, advanced past Briton Arthur Fery 6-1, 7-6 (4) and now plays Australian Alex de Minaur. The Greek leads that series 11-1.