Jodar seems to have a healthy respect for Fonseca, and a healthy understanding that everything won’t go his way every day.
“Joao is a tough opponent, and I have to prepare well for this match,” Jodar said after beating De Minaur. “I have to play my own game and be ready in case things don’t go as well as today. I have to try to stay strong in those moments.”
This should be the first of many meetings between these two, and a glimpse into the ATP’s future. For now, though, it will also be a pitched baseline battle. Fonseca wields one of the sport’s biggest forehands, while Jodar balances a heavy topspin forehand of his own, with a rifle-shot two-handed backhand. The slightly taller Jodar may have a slight edge on the serve as well.
Fonseca is the veteran, relatively speaking, of the two, but Jodar will be in his element again, on his home court, with a night crowd pushing him on. Winner: Jodar
