Iga Swiatek admitted it was difficult to find ATP players to follow after Rafael Nadal retired (Image: Getty)

Iga Swiatek has revealed which player made her rediscover her love for ATP tennis after Rafael Nadal’s retirement. The world No. 2 admitted that she largely stopped watching men’s tennis after the 22-time Major winner ended his career last November. But one rising star has now filled that void.

The Polish star had “trouble” finding ATP players she could invest in once Nadal walked away. But Swiatek has since found a new face to follow in Joao Fonseca, the Brazilian teenager who has been enjoying a breakthrough season.

Fonseca had long been tipped for big things in tennis, and aged just 18, he’s already delivering. The Brazilian ended 2024 by winning the Next Gen ATP Finals, a tournament previously won by the likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.

The 18-year-old picked up the Canberra Challenger title in January and followed it up by qualifying for his first Grand Slam main draw at the Australian Open, where he shocked ninth seed Andrey Rublev in the first round.

Last month he won his first ATP title in Buenos Aires and reached a career-high ranking of No. 68. His rise has put the tennis world on notice – and now even Swiatek is a fan.

“I think he’s amazing,” the five-time Grand Slam champion told ESPN.

Joao Fonseca won his first ATP Tour title at the Argentina Open (Image: Getty)

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“When Rafa retired I haven’t been watching much of ATP. I always follow Carlos Alcaraz.

“I had trouble finding other players who really struck me and I love their game. Then I watched Joao, and I really enjoyed how he plays and moves. The decisions he makes on the court.”

Fonseca has clearly made an impression on the former world No. 1. Swiatek now says she will watch more men’s tennis thanks to the Brazilian teenager.

She continued: “I think he’s for sure going to be a player I’ll follow. Because of him, I’ll maybe watch more of ATP and enjoy that. He’s been amazing. He’s doing great.

“There’s a lot of pressure on him, so I hope the Brazilian fans will take it easy on him because he’s still young and there’s time to develop. With enough peace of mind, step by step, he’s going to become a great player.”

Swiatek and Fonseca also have a connection – both are sponsored by Swiss sportswear brand On. It means the WTA No. 2 has been following Fonseca’s rise longer than most.

Both players are in action at the joint ATP and WTA 1000 event in Indian Wells this fortnight. Swiatek will be bidding to defend the title while Fonseca is making his debut as a wildcard.