Joao Fonseca drops college tennis plans, says he couldn't say 'no' to turning professional now

Joao Fonseca has his sights on becoming an ATP Tour regular sooner than anticipated following a breakout showing at last week’s Rio Open.

The 17-year-old had previously committed to play NCAA tennis for the University of Virginia. But after reaching the quarterfinals of the 500-level tournament on home soil, Fonseca has decided to pursue his professional tennis ambition full-time by forgoing his college plans.

“It was an incredibly tough decision for me and my family as I have been dreaming about living a college life in Charlottesville, playing the sport that l love with a wonderful team and coach, but, in the last months, professional tennis called me in a way that I simply couldn't say ‘no’,” shared Fonseca in a statement on his Instagram.

“Although I will not be attending school, I think it is an extremely valuable and viable path for young tennis players (on) their way to professional careers.”

The 2023 US Open boys’ champion, Fonseca dispatched then 36th-ranked Arthur Fils in his Rio opener to become the first player born in 2006 to win an ATP match. He followed that effort up by ousting Cristian Garin, before seeing his bid ended by Mariano Navone in three sets.

“I was never pressured about making a decision towards college tennis. You gave me just the space for this. I can’t thank UVA and coach Andres Pedroso enough for this,” he said.

Fonseca was edged out by Thiago Agustin Tirante in the first round of Santiago’s Chile Open on Tuesday.