Argentina Open 2026: Defending champion Fonseca loses in second round |
Joy will certainly not be Brazilian at the 2026 Argentina Open. Defending champion Joao Fonseca (ATP singles ranked 33) was ousted in his debut, falling to Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo (71) by 6-3, 3-6, 7-5.
The Rio de Janeiro native cut a very different image compared to his last appearance in Buenos Aires, trading the swirling curls and swaggering confidence for a more businesslike look and less exuberant — but not more accurate — shotmaking.
Despite fiery support from a big contingent of Brazilian fans, Fonseca relinquished his serve twice in the first set, allowing an erratic but persistent Tabilo to gain the lead. The Brazilian looked more composed in the second set, cashing in on more of his chances to take the game to a third set.
Fonseca’s mistakes returned in the decider. Serving at 5-6 to take the match to a tiebreak, poor shot selection showed his nervousness. The Brazilian saved two match points, but the third time was the charm for Tabilo, who’ll face Tomás Etcheverry in Friday’s........