In a dramatic Day 3 of the 2024 Australian Open, Brazilian tennis sensation Gabriel Fonseca, aged 18, delivered a stunning upset by defeating world No. 9 Andrey Rublev. The match ended with a score of 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, demonstrating Fonseca’s incredible skill and composure on the court. Following the match, Fonseca expressed his excitement, stating, ‘I always dreamed of this moment, and now I have to believe in myself and keep fighting.’
On the American front, Taylor Fritz, the No. 10 seed, showcased his talent as he defeated Spain’s Pedro Martinez with a score of 6-4, 6-2, advancing to the next round. Fritz highlighted the importance of this victory, saying, ‘Every match here is a step closer to the trophy.’ Meanwhile, Emma Navarro made her mark in the tournament by defeating Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina with a score of 6-4, 7-5, ensuring her place in the round of 32. The 22-year-old Navarro shared her thoughts, saying, ‘Winning this match against such a tough opponent gives me so much confidence going forward.’ Additionally, young American Ben Shelton also advanced, defeating Australia’s Alexei Popyrin 6-3, 6-3, solidifying a strong showing for the American contingent at this year’s Grand Slam event.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Fonseca, who has garnered attention from numerous tennis legends, including Carlos Alcaraz. Alcaraz praised Fonseca, predicting he will soon rank among the world’s best, stating, ‘He has a special talent and the mental strength to succeed at the highest level.’
