Joao Fonseca is through to the US Open second round despite being sick during his victory against Miomir Kecmanovic.
The 19-year-old won 7-6 [7-3] 7-6 [7-5] 6-3 in what is his first ever main draw appearance at Flushing Meadows.
During the third set on the Grandstand court, Fonseca needed a medical timeout and trainers were called onto the court.
And although he appeared okay to continue playing, the Brazilian then appeared to vomit inside a bin at the side.
Fonseca was on hand to see out the straight-sets win and when he spoke afterwards, he issued an apology to the fans who watched.
“First round is always a bit more tense and today I felt a bit more sick in the third set,” he said via The Tennis Letter on X.
“I didn’t know what happened. I just threw up water. Sorry about that guys, I apologise. Thanks a lot for the support today.
“It means a lot to have the Brazilian flag with me here. Thanks a lot to the Brazilians and all the people who supported me today.”
Fonseca on his Grand Slam debuts
The 2025 season has been a year of firsts for Fonseca across the Grand Slam tournaments, just one year after he turned professional.
Third round appearances at the French Open and Wimbledon are his best efforts to date, and he could go a step further at the US Open.
“It’s my first year playing all these big tournaments,” he said.
“My first time playing US Open main draw. I’m just loving the career on tour.
“I’m very happy playing each tournament. Discovering new places, new countries. I’m enjoying a lot.
“I know it’s a lot of expectation and pressure at 19 years old, but I love doing what I love.”
Fonseca, who could be in a potential coaching partnership with Novak Djokovic, is now 12-0 in Grand Slam first round sets.
This year’s 21st seed Tomas Machac will be his next opponent at the US Open.
Should he win and then claim victory in the third round, Fonseca may be set to face home favourite Taylor Fritz in the fourth round.