João Fonseca – Foto: Leonard Zhukovsky / Shutterstock.com
Brazilian tennis player João Fonseca, 19, was surpassed by American Learner Tien in the ATP rankings update released on Monday (1st). Brazil’s number one, previously ranked 42nd, now sits at 43rd. Tien, runner-up at the ATP 500 in Beijing last weekend, climbed 16 spots to claim the 36th position, his career best.
The shift occurred as Fonseca competed in the Laver Cup, an exhibition event in San Francisco that awards no ranking points. Meanwhile, Tien reached the Beijing final, losing to Jannik Sinner 2-0. The 19-year-old American has now secured five wins against top 10 players in 2025.
Fonseca shone at the Laver Cup, defeating Italy’s Flavio Cobolli in straight sets, aiding Team World’s victory. Earlier, he secured two wins at the Davis Cup in Greece, including a standout victory over former top-3 player Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Fonseca’s next event is the ATP 500 in Brussels, starting October 13. He began 2025 ranked 113th and entered the top 100 in January at age 18.
Ranking oficial ATP: 43º (-1)
*O ranking oficial da semana foi divulgado apenas hoje, após a conclusão de alguns torneios, mas vale oficialmente com a data de segunda-feira. pic.twitter.com/EVmEJJW6HI
— João Fonseca Updates (@fonsecaupdates) October 1, 2025
Learner Tien’s rise boosts ranking
Learner Tien solidified his position with his Beijing performance. He defeated players like Daniil Medvedev in the semifinals, where the Russian retired due to injury. The left-handed American from Irvine, California, has a history of upsets against top 10 players. In 2025, he has beaten five players ranked in the top 10, including wins at the Australian Open and National Bank Open.
Tien qualified for the Next Gen ATP Finals for the second consecutive year. His coach, Michael Chang, former world number two, has guided him since the season’s start.
Fonseca’s recent exhibition performances
Fonseca was part of Team World at the Laver Cup. His win over Cobolli showcased his powerful serve and aggressive forehand. The event took place at the Chase Center in San Francisco. Fonseca celebrated with captain Andre Agassi and teammates like Taylor Fritz.
He is also confirmed for an exhibition match against Carlos Alcaraz later this year. These events provide experience without ranking pressure. Fonseca is focusing on recovery after an intense season. His coach, Guilherme Teixeira, emphasizes balancing official and preparatory competitions.
Potential matchups in Brussels
The ATP 500 in Brussels features favorites like Lorenzo Musetti, world number 9. The Italian is chasing his third title of the season. Felix Auger-Aliassime, ranked 13th, defends his 2022 title. The Canadian won the indoor hardcourt event previously.
Frances Tiafoe, 28th, is the third seed. The American has a strong record in late-season European events. Roberto Bautista Agut is the reigning champion. The 37-year-old Spaniard surprised in last year’s edition.
- Musetti: 31 wins in 2025, known for quick returns.
- Auger-Aliassime: Averages 22 aces per match, dominant serve.
- Tiafoe: 15 wins against top 20, strong in finals.
- Bautista Agut: Veteran with 18 ATP titles, consistent indoors.
Fonseca’s 2025 journey
Fonseca started the year ranked 113th. On January 27, he entered the top 100 for the first time at 18 years and five months. He became the youngest Brazilian to win an ATP title, in Buenos Aires, in February. The final against Francisco Cerundolo marked his rise to the top 75.
At the Australian Open, he stunned Andrey Rublev, the ninth seed. He reached the third round, earning crucial points. In Roland Garros, he advanced to the round of 16. At the US Open, he passed the first round with support from Brazilian fans.
His 2024 Next Gen ATP Finals win boosted his confidence. Fonseca has 31 wins and 22 losses this season.
Tien’s growth against elites
Tien broke into the top 100 after upsetting Medvedev at the Australian Open. He reached the round of 16, the best by a young American since Pete Sampras in 1990. At the National Bank Open, he made the round of 16 in a Masters 1000. He defeated Denis Shapovalov, 22nd, in straight sets.
He holds a 7-5 record against top 20 players in 2025. His Beijing runner-up finish added 300 points to his tally. Tien has competed in 20 tournaments this year. His defensive style, influenced by Chang, excels in returns and long rallies.
He ranks second in the Live Race to Jeddah. He secured a spot in the Next Gen Finals with ease.
