The opening day of João Fonseca at Roland Garros drew a massive crowd, far exceeding the 2,000-person capacity of Court 7. This overwhelming demand led the tournament organizers to enlist security personnel to remove some fans—primarily Brazilian supporters—who had invaded the press and accessibility areas.
Long lines formed as fans eagerly awaited Fonseca’s debut, arriving as early as two hours before his match, which started at 7:24 PM local time (2:24 PM in Brazil). Many had stood in line for five hours, underlining their dedication, despite the fact that a Roland Garros ticket does not guarantee access to any specific match or court.
The excitement surrounding Fonseca’s match created a lively atmosphere, with hundreds of fans even watching the previous match between Russian player Andrei Rublev and South Africa’s Lloyd Harris while standing behind the bleachers. Fortunately, the organizers managed to maintain order before the anticipated start of Fonseca’s match.
As the players warmed up, a small group of supporters attempted to chant “Olê olê olê olá, Lula, Lula,” a reference to Brazilian politics, but they were quickly drowned out by others chanting “João,” celebrating the moment for their fellow Brazilian.
This passionate display from the crowd echoes memories of past Brazilian tennis greats, such as Gustavo Kuerten, who also inspired such exuberant support during his career. Fonseca’s debut signifies not just a personal milestone but a continuation of Brazil’s rich tennis legacy at a prestigious tournament.
The enthusiasm surrounding Fonseca’s match reflects the growing interest in Brazilian tennis, and his journey at Roland Garros may inspire future generations of players.