Article by David Istrate – Published Friday, February 13, 2026, 10:20 a.m. / Updated Friday, February 13, 2026, 10:22 a.m.
On Wednesday, February 11, Joao Fonseca (19 years, 33 ATP) was eliminated in the round of 16 of the tournament in Buenos Aires by Alejandro Tabilo (28 years, 71 ATP), score 3-6, 6-3, 5-7. After the match, the Brazilian, who is considered one of the great hopes of world tennis, expressed his disappointment with his performance and spoke about a chronic syndrome he is dealing with that is affecting his game.
After winning the Next Generation ATP Finals in 2024, public expectations for Joao Fonseca have increased significantly. As a result, over the past 15 months, the Brazilian's potential has often been debated, and the 19-year-old has been mentioned in the same discussion as world tennis leaders Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
Joao Fonseca, eliminated in the “eighties” from Buenos Aires: “It was not my day”
But Fonseca has so far not been able to confirm expectations, and even had some disappointing results. 2026 got off to a rocky start for the world number 33, who withdrew from Brisbane and Adelaide, after which he was defeated in the 1st round at the Australian Open (4-6, 6-2, 1-6, 2-6 vs. Eliot Spizzirri) and in the round of 16 in Buenos Aires (3-6, 6-3, 5-7 vs. Alejandro Tabilo).
“If I said no, I would be lying, so yes, I definitely felt more pressure. I felt tense from the beginning of the game. I tried to bring intensity, motivation, desire, I even looked for the support of the public, but it was not my day. There was a lack of conviction and confidence…”, Fonseca said in the press conference after the match, according to Punto De Break.
“I tried everything to motivate myself. I was angry at my legs, which were not moving as they should. My body didn't help me get the good shots I wanted“, added the 2025 champion from Buenos Aires.
Joao Fonseca suffers from lumbar hypolordosis: “I was born with a back problem”
At the same time, Fonseca revealed that there is another explanation for his results: “flat back” syndrome or lumbar hypolordosis.
“I was born with a back problem and suffered a stress fracture five years ago. Some days I feel more pain than others. It's an injury that never goes away completely, but I have to learn to deal with it day by day. In the last few days, I felt like I'm feeling a little better, but it's hard to say if I'll be at 100%,” explained the young player.
Lumbar hypolordosis is a condition in which the lower back has lost its natural curve, which affects mobility and flexibility, causing progressive pain.
According to tennis.com, “Treatment typically includes physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications and injections, as well as pain management programs designed to improve posture and control symptoms.”
“Joao has a straight spine and suffered a stress fracture five years ago when he was still a junior. Thus, the lumbar area is the most sensitive part of his body and, as he is a high-performance athlete, it requires constant care”, said a member of Fonseca's team.
“Soon, João will return to tournaments, 100% recovered. The team's mentality is always to protect the athlete's health, aiming for a long-term career,” he added.
