Fonseca Favored to Edge Machac in New York Clash
Joao Fonseca is emerging as a rising threat on hardcourts, and he faces a stern test against Tomas Machac in New York. Machac has struggled for consistency, while Fonseca’s own form is trending upward as they head into the round of the US Open.
Machac’s recent run has been inconsistent and injury-prone. He’s lost nine of his last 14 matches and has retired from eight of his outings in the past year, a pattern that raises questions about his stamina and mental fortitude. In Cincinnati, he was well beaten by Adrian Mannarino, signaling a vulnerability against varied pace and sustained pressure. However, Machac did bounce back with a decisive first-round win over Luca Nardi here in New York, showing that when he’s on, he can still play at a solid level.
Fonseca, by contrast, is the rising star in this matchup. The Brazilian is making steady progress on hard courts, highlighted by a straight-sets win over Miomir Kecmanovic in the opening round. While the surface in New York can play quicker than ideal for some players, Fonseca’s aggressive shotmaking and confidence on the return could pose real trouble for Machac from the back of the court. It’s a sign that Fonseca’s game is maturing at a pace that could outpace his older, more experienced opponent.
With Machac perhaps carrying too much weight on a single late show of form and Fonseca’s improving level, the layers may have misjudged this one. Fonseca’s energy and the support of a raucous home crowd in New York could provide the extra lift needed to tilt the balance in his favor. The 19-year-old Brazilian has the tools to trouble Machac and convert opportunities when they arise, making this a compelling matchup to watch.
Key factors to watch
– Machac’s ability to stabilise his level after the Cincinnati setback and navigate pressure points.
– Fonseca’s shotmaking depth and how he handles aggressive ball-striking against an opponent who can retreat behind the baseline.
– The impact of crowd support on Fonseca’s rhythm and confidence as he seeks another big result on a fast indoor-style hardcourt.
Overall, Fonseca enters as the more promising momentum player, and if he can maintain his recent form and keep the高 pace of the rallies with precision, he has a real chance to emerge victorious and continue his ascent in the rankings. A positive performance from Fonseca would underscore the potential of a young player who is clearly on an upward trajectory.