Brazilian teenager João Fonseca returned to action at the ATP 500 in Basel, Switzerland, starting in the doubles draw alongside compatriot Rafael Matos. The pair suffered a heartbreaking loss to the experienced French duo Nicolas Mahut and Pierre-Hugues Herbert, despite holding a match point. The final score was 6/7(2), 7/6(6), 11/9, marking a tough defeat for the young team.
The match was filled with intensity and high drama. The French pair saved ten break points and four set points in the opening set before Fonseca and Matos managed to seal it in the tie-break. However, the momentum shifted in the second set, as the Brazilians broke first and served for the match at 6/5. A missed opportunity allowed Mahut and Herbert to recover and force a match tie-break.
In the deciding tiebreak, Fonseca and Matos fought back from 9/6 down, saving three match points with resilience. But Herbert’s ace and a sharp return on the following point sealed victory for the French team, who advanced after 1 hour and 55 minutes of thrilling tennis.
João Fonseca Set for Singles Debut Against Perricard
After the doubles disappointment, João Fonseca, aged 19, is ready to make his singles debut at the Basel ATP 500 on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. The Brazilian faces a challenging opener against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, the defending champion and one of the fastest-rising players on the ATP Tour. The match is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. (Brasília time) on the tournament’s central court.
Fans can watch the encounter on ESPN2, via Disney+ Premium, or on Tennis TV. The matchup promises a high-level contest between two of the ATP’s most exciting young players, each looking to make a statement late in the 2025 season.
Fonseca currently sits at No. 46 in the ATP rankings, while the Frenchman is ranked 33rd. This will be the first-ever meeting between the two. Despite the ranking difference, Fonseca’s aggressive baseline style and powerful forehand could challenge Perricard’s renowned serve-dominant game.
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Perricard’s Form and Career Highlights
Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, aged 22, is known for his massive 2.03-meter frame and booming serve. In 2024, he claimed his first ATP 500 title — in Basel — and made history in 2025 by hitting the fastest serve in Wimbledon history, clocking 246 km/h.
The Frenchman’s rise has been steady since turning professional in 2021. Alongside his Basel title, Perricard has also won the ATP 250 in Lyon, showing consistent performance on both indoor and outdoor courts. According to ATP statistics, he currently holds the best serve performance index on tour, averaging over 15 aces per match.
Heading into Basel 2025, Perricard’s form remains solid. He recently reached the semifinals at the ATP 250 in Brussels, while Fonseca was eliminated in the opening round. Despite the difference in experience, Fonseca’s potential and energy make this an intriguing clash.
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How to Watch João Fonseca vs Perricard
For tennis fans eager to follow this highly anticipated match, several streaming and TV options are available.
- Disney+ Premium Plan (R$ 66.90/month): Offers ESPN channels, exclusive tournaments, and over 500 sports events monthly in 4K UHD/HDR with Dolby Atmos. It also allows up to four devices and offline downloads.
- Disney+ Standard Plan (R$ 46.90/month): Includes ESPN and ESPN3, with ad-free viewing and offline downloads on up to two devices.
- Disney+ Standard with Ads (R$ 27.99/month): Provides access to ESPN and ESPN3, but includes commercials and limits simultaneous streaming to two devices.
Match Details
Date: October 21, 2025 (Tuesday)
Time: 10:30 a.m. (Brasília time)
Venue: Central Court, Basel, Switzerland
Broadcast: ESPN2, Disney+, Tennis TV
Looking Ahead
João Fonseca’s doubles exit might serve as valuable preparation for his singles campaign. The young Brazilian continues to gain experience on the ATP Tour, learning from every match. His upcoming battle with Perricard will test his composure, return game, and ability to handle high-pressure situations.
Whether he can overcome the defending champion remains to be seen, but Fonseca’s determination and fearless playing style have already captured attention in the tennis world. Fans can expect an exciting, hard-fought encounter when these two rising stars meet in Basel.