After his recent drop in form there had been some suggestions that Rune was going to be replaced, with Fonseca being backed to form a new ‘big three’ with the two reigning Grand Slam champions after his making headlines with his Australian Open debut.

Although Rune could arguably be jealous about the arrival of a new young star, the Dane has been full of praise for Fonseca.

Holger Rune trained with Joao Fonseca in Italy over a year ago

After his first round win over Andrey Rublev at the Australian Open, Fonseca has been backed for a big ranking rise in 2025.

Not many players on the main ATP Tour have experienced playing Fonseca yet, but Rune actually practised with the Brazilian ahead of the year-end Finals in Turin in 2023.

Despite being impressed by the teenager, Rune admitted that he still wasn’t expecting Fonseca to beat Rublev.

“Yeah, I was watching a little bit of his match against Rublev. He played spectacular. There is no doubt about that,” Rune said in his Australian Open press conference. “He has a bright future. If he can keep up that level, we’re definitely going to see more of him.

“I trained with him in Turin like year and a half ago, and I was always like he was hitting great back then even. Kind of like surprised that he beat Rublev but also knowing that he had a great level already. Yeah, it was impressive.”

What upcoming tournament could Holger Rune play Joao Fonseca?

Despite practicing with one another, Rune and Fonseca are yet to play an official match on the ATP Tour.

However, that could all be set to change soon as they are both set to head to South America for the prestigious golden clay court swing

With the entry list recently being released for the ATP 250 tournament in Buenos Aires, it means that second seed Rune could play Fonseca in a blockbuster first round match.

Both players will also be expected to play in Rio de Janeiro, where Fonseca will be supported by his home Brazilian crowd.

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