Joao Fonseca ruined the hopes of an all-British second-round match in Indian Wells as he stormed back to beat Jacob Fearnley in the first round. The teenage sensation raced through the first set before he was taken into a decider, where he trailed by a break early on.

But Fonseca recovered, winning the last five games to seal a 6-2 1-6 6-3 victory. The wildcard spoiled the British party in the Californian desert, denying Fearnley a first professional meeting with Jack Draper, who awaits in round two. Afterwards, Fonseca reminded Draper that there would be plenty of Brazilian fans cheering him on in their match.

Fonseca received a wildcard into Indian Wells and got off to a good start on his debut, breaking immediately and taking the first set after 32 minutes. But the momentum quickly started to turn, and British No. 3 Fearnley broke twice in the second set to force a decider.

The 23-year-old looked to be on his way to an all-British meeting with Draper, with whom he has a good relationship. Leading 3-2 30-0, Fearnley suddenly lost control of the match as Fonseca dug his way back in, getting back on serve.

The Brazilian kept on rolling, breaking again before he served out the victory in just over two hours.

Fonseca had plenty of support on his debut at the Californian tournament and, after beating Fearnley, he told Draper he was "ready" for their first meeting.

"[It was] very windy, and first rounds are not easy at all, even here in a Masters 1000," the world No. 80 told Sky Sports after getting his first win in the desert.

"It’s my second Masters 1000, first time here, so very happy with the way that I fought today. And yeah, let’s go for the second round."

Asked about his upcoming contest with Draper, the teenager replied: "I mean, when you’re in these kinds of tournaments, you’re going to get huge opponents, so I’m ready for it.

"I know it’s going to be tough but I have the support from the crowd. There are a lot of Brazilians here and that’s super amazing. So rest, and let’s go for tomorrow."

Fonseca also addressed the crowd in his on-court interview, remarking that it was the "biggest court I've played on so far."

The 18-year-old added: "Happy with how I fought. A break down in the third, things weren’t very good for me. I kept confusing on my game."

Fonseca has been enjoying a breakout season, building on his Next Gen ATP Finals triumph from the end of 2024. He started the season by winning the Canberra Challenger, where he also beat Fearnley en route to the title.

The teenager then qualified for his first Grand Slam main draw at the Australian Open and, on his debut, upset ninth seed Andrey Rublev. Last month, Fonseca won his first ATP Tour title in Buenos Aires. But Draper will be a step up in opponent - the British No. 1 is coming in off the back of a run to the Doha final.