'I like the courts and the people are very welcoming' - Joao Fonseca explains decision to return to Eastbourne after breakthrough year

The Brazilian teenager is back at the Lexus Eastbourne Open ahead of his first-round match later this week, having enjoyed a breakthrough 12 months that has seen him rise up the rankings and test himself against some of the biggest names in the sport.

Last year, Fonseca announced himself on grass by defeating Zizou Bergs before pushing eventual champion Taylor Fritz in a close second-round defeat.

Now, after a season that has included matches against Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev and Novak Djokovic, the 18-year-old believes he has developed both on and off the court.

"A lot has changed," Fonseca said.

"Expectations have changed. Last year wasn't so concrete with my ranking yet and I think this year the guys know a little bit more about me. They know my game and they know what I'm capable of doing.

"This year comes a lot of different expectations. Is he going to handle his ranking? Is he going to handle the pressure?

"I would say it's a different job for sure. I'm much more mature, knowing a little bit more of the tour, more experience, understanding more of the tour and how to deal with the pressure during the matches and off court as well."

One of the highlights of his season came at Roland Garros, where he defeated 24-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic – a result that further underlined his potential.

Fonseca said previous encounters with Sinner, Alcaraz and Zverev had helped him understand the level required to compete with the world's best players.

"I think it's a process," he said.

"I don't want to say those three matches were the reason that I won against Novak. I think it was part of the process that helped me understand my game and understand things I needed to improve.

"Those three matches were super important for my learning. I could understand a little bit more of my level, my game and what I could improve."

The Brazilian admitted he later rewatched all four matches as part of his development.

"Against Novak, because it was a dream come true for me," he said.

"I always wanted to play against him. I always said this to my parents and my team that I just wanted to share the court with him because I don't know if he has two or three years more.

"It's a match I'm never going to forget."

Despite his rapid rise and growing popularity, Fonseca insists he remains focused on taking his career one match at a time.

"My dream is to become number one and win Grand Slams," he said.

"I think I can be capable of this, but I need to focus on my present. I don't know what's going to happen tomorrow, so I just need to focus day by day."

Although grass remains the surface on which he has the least experience, Fonseca said he was pleased to return to Eastbourne after enjoying the event last summer.

"I liked the courts, liked the place and people were very welcoming from the organisation," he said.

"I felt good playing here. I had a close match with Taylor and he has won here four or five times.

"I wanted to come back to feel a little bit more on the grass because my first tournament was Halle. Hopefully I can do a great tournament as well."

Looking ahead to Wimbledon, where many expect him to attract a sizeable Brazilian following, Fonseca joked that he hopes the famous SW19 crowds remain a little calmer than those he experiences elsewhere.

"Miami is almost like Rio," he said.

"The crowd goes crazy and there are a lot of Brazilians there.

"But I hope Wimbledon is more classy. I like the support, I like the noise and hopefully they come."