After winning the title, Fonseca revealed he had promised to shave his head before the match and dedicated the championship to his mother during the award ceremony.

Last week's Basel Tennis Open initially attracted little attention because many star players were missing, but the appearance of young Brazilian Fonseca in the final drew significant attention and debate.

As a rising star promoted by the ATP and seen as a future leader in men's tennis, Fonseca has been closely watched. Earlier this year, he reached the final and won the ATP250 event in Buenos Aires. The Basel final marked his first appearance in a 500-level final. Winning would not only earn him his first title at this tournament favored by his idol Federer but also make him, at 19 years and 2 months old, tie the record alongside greats like Federer, Djokovic, and Murray.

In the first set, Fonseca quickly broke his opponent's serve with precise serving and sharp backhand shots, taking the set 6-3. He maintained his strong play in the second set, with crucial aces and accurate baseline movements leaving Fognini helpless, sealing the set 6-4.

Throughout the match, Fonseca's serve win rate reached an impressive 78%, saving all three break points against him.

This victory not only brought him the most significant title of his career but also boosted his PIF ATP ranking to a personal best of 28th on Monday, virtually securing a seeded position for next year's Australian Open.

At the post-match award ceremony, Fonseca shared a fun promise: "Before the match, I vowed that if I won the Basel title, I would shave my head, so I'll be going bald very soon!"

This promise was met with enthusiastic applause and laughter from the audience, showing the young Brazilian's humor and sincerity.

The vow to shave his head after winning was jokingly called a "happy problem" by many online, with some fans even creating early photoshopped images of a bald Fonseca. Some joked that a bald Fonseca resembled the retired legend Agassi, while most fans sent their blessings and encouragement.

Additionally, during the ceremony, Fonseca expressed his deepest gratitude to his parents. They had just arrived from Brazil, originally planning to go to Paris but changed their flights last minute to watch their son's match, arriving only an hour before it started.

“It’s amazing that they could witness the most important title of my career,” Fonseca said emotionally.

He especially highlighted his parents' support during critical moments in his career: “They believed in me. When I was considering college, they said, ‘It’s your choice. Whatever you decide, we will support you.’”

Fonseca dedicated the title to his mother — “Since I was very young, my mom has traveled with me. From the age of 11, I have only traveled with her. This championship is for her.”

This heartfelt speech was met with prolonged applause from the entire audience.

Former tennis star and current commentator Alan Myers praised Fonseca after the match: “Fonseca displayed astonishing all-around skills. His serve, forehand, and movement were excellent. Most impressive was his composure in crucial points, which is rare for a 19-year-old.”

Tennis analyst Sarah Turner wrote on social media: “Fonseca’s playing style reminds me of a young Del Potro, with a powerful serve and aggressive forehand. If he stays healthy and keeps improving, his future is definitely bright.”

On social media, fans also expressed their congratulations and admiration for Fonseca.

One fan wrote: “Finally, a new prodigy has broken the old order! Fonseca’s performance is thrilling. Watching him reminds me of watching Federer when he was young.”

Another fan joked: “Fognini lost five finals, Fonseca won two — that’s fate! But don’t lose heart, Fognini. Thiem also lost many finals before breaking through.”

Brazilian fans excitedly stated: “As Brazilians, we finally have a new tennis hope! Fonseca reminds me of Kuerten. Brazilian tennis has waited too long!”

Now, his tennis journey is heading towards greater goals — breaking into the world top ten, challenging Grand Slams, and bringing higher honors to Brazil. Are you optimistic about him? Let’s wait and see.(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Lu Xiaotian)