Fonseca reveals reason for withdrawing from Asian season: sinus infection before Shanghai Masters

The 19-year-old Brazilian rising star Fonseca missed this year's Asian season, and his withdrawal from the Shanghai Masters ultimately allowed Vachero to enter the qualifiers as a replacement and go on to win the title in a legendary run. Fonseca made his comeback this week at the ATP 250 Brussels event but lost in the first round to Dutch player Van der Schulp.

Photo of Fonseca

In an interview with Brazilian media, Fonseca disclosed the reason for pulling out of the Asian season, stating he suffered a sinus infection just before the Shanghai Masters started, but has now fully recovered.

"This is my first season competing on the tour, and my team and I have always been cautious about tournament participation. I missed the Asian events this year due to a sinus infection, deciding to rest and prepare at home to be at 100% for upcoming matches," he admitted. "I took three to four days off because of the illness, which coincided with the Shanghai Masters, so I chose to withdraw. Now I am fully healed, doctors have confirmed my health is good, and I’m glad to be back on court, relieved the condition wasn't serious."

Fonseca broke through in the 2025 season: he earned his first Grand Slam main draw win at the Australian Open, then captured his first tour title in Buenos Aires, and reached the third round at both Roland Garros and Wimbledon. However, his form has fluctuated in recent months, struggling to maintain winning streaks, currently holding a season record of 21 wins and 14 losses.

Regarding this, Fonseca said: "This has been an exciting year on every level. I know there are high expectations from the outside, but I focus solely on growing as a player and as a person." Currently ranked No. 45, Fonseca is the second youngest player in the Top 100, just behind world No. 38 Lerner Chen.

(Text and editing by Wang Fei, photo by Visual China)