Tennis-Teen sensation Fonseca exits French Open with new conviction

Joao Fonseca said his run to the French Open ​quarter-finals had helped him better understand the ​limits of his game and body ‌after ​the Brazilian teenager's campaign ended with a defeat by Jakub Mensik on Tuesday. The 19-year-old fell 6-4 6-3 7-6(3) to the Czech, but said ‌reaching the last eight of a major for the first time had exceeded expectations after arriving in Paris with concerns over a recent injury.

"Coming from a little injury and not having any expectations for this ‌tournament and doing a great run, this is a positive week," Fonseca told reporters. "This tournament gives ‌me more conviction and more confidence to keep going and for sure understanding a little bit more body and my limits."

Fonseca, who beat Novak Djokovic and Casper Ruud in previous rounds, said the fortnight showed him how his body could ⁠cope with ​the physical demands of ⁠Grand Slam tennis and reinforced his belief that he was moving in the right direction. "I never saw my limit yet, ⁠but I already know that I can be comfortable with my physique," he said.

"I think it's more comfortable with ​my game, the way that I'm playing, that my mentality is on the right path...Maybe ⁠it's the same Joao, but finding new stuff." The teenager was full of praise for 20-year-old Mensik, who advanced to his first ⁠Grand ​Slam semi-final with an impressive display under the closed roof on Court Philippe-Chatrier.

"His serve is amazing," Fonseca said. "The most important thing is he knows how to play in important moments. He's ⁠not afraid. "Today was not me playing bad. It was all his merit."

Despite the defeat, Fonseca said he ⁠would head into the ⁠grass-court season encouraged by his performance in Paris. "Looking forward to reset now," he said. "Going back home, enjoy a little bit with the family and then ‌go again for ‌another swing."

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