MELBOURNE (Reuters) -Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca launched his Grand Slam career in spectacular fashion as the qualifier took down Russian ninth seed Andrey Rublev 7-6(1) 6-3 7-6(5) in the opening round of the Australian Open on Tuesday.

Joao Fonseca has been waiting for his chance to play on the biggest stages of tennis, and what a way to arrive. The 18-year-old qualifier upset world No.9 Andrey Rublev in straight sets to claim his maiden Grand Slam win.

Tennis legend John McEnroe has heaped praise on Brazilian sensation Joao Fonseca after his win over Andrey Rublev, and believes that “he’ll be the man soon”. The 18-year-old lit the tennis scene alight after truly spellbinding win over the Russian in the first round of the Australian Open,