{"id":13813,"date":"2024-12-24T02:51:34","date_gmt":"2024-12-24T02:51:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usatoday.azontree.com\/?p=13813"},"modified":"2024-12-24T02:51:34","modified_gmt":"2024-12-24T02:51:34","slug":"rafael-nadals-vital-presence-among-rising-stars-pointed-out-by-second-youngest-next-gen-atp-finals-champ-joao-fonseca-in-moving-message","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usatoday.azontree.com\/?p=13813","title":{"rendered":"Rafael Nadal’s vital presence among rising stars pointed out by second-youngest Next Gen ATP Finals champ Joao Fonseca in moving message"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Rafael Nadal (L) and Joao Fonseca in Next Gen ATP finals | Image Source: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Joao Fonseca expressed gratitude to Rafael Nadal for his presence during the Next Gen ATP Finals final. The 18-year-old won the title with a victory over Learner Tien in Jeddah on Sunday, December 22, and became the second-youngest champion in the tournament’s history since Jannik Sinner five years ago.<\/p>\n

During the post-match on-court interview, the Brazilian expressed his gratitude, thanking Nadal for his presence in the stands. He said it was an honor to play in front of such a legendary figure.<\/p>\n

His comments follow Fonseca’s recent recollection of meeting the\u00a022-time Grand Slam champion\u00a014 years ago.<\/p>\n

\u201cI want to thank Rafa for being here\u2026 he\u2019s such a legend of this sport. It\u2019s meaningful for us players to be in those big stadiums with those guys watching,\u201d Fonseca said.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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