Brazil sees new tennis hero in Joao Fonseca

Joao Fonseca's run at Roland Garros may have ended in the quarterfinals, but for many Brazilian fans in Paris, the teenager has already become one of the country's most exciting sporting figures.

Hundreds of supporters gathered at Roland Garros on Tuesday to back the 19-year-old as he faced Czech player Jakub Mensik on Court Philippe Chatrier.

Although Fonseca lost the match in straight sets, fans said his performance throughout the tournament had given Brazilian tennis a new figure to rally behind.

"We are very excited about Fonseca. It had been many years since we had someone like him representing our nation, going to the main court, representing the country. He will get there, God willing," one supporter said.

Another fan described the teenager as a source of hope for Brazilian sport.

"He's the sport's hope for our country. Our country lacks an idol in sports, so we are cheering for Fonseca to be a Roland Garros champion," the fan said.

Much of the excitement followed Fonseca's impressive tournament run, including his victory over three-time Roland Garros champion Novak Djokovic.

"I had the privilege of seeing Fonseca win a match, even against the Pele of tennis, which is the invitation. So, very happy, let's go," a supporter said.

For some fans, Fonseca's progress was enough reason to make a return trip to Paris.

"Amazing. We were at home at Rio, and we were like, oh, I have to go back to Roland Garros. And now we are here," another fan added.

Fonseca was beaten 4-6, 3-6, 6-7 by Jakub Mensik, who advanced to the semifinals to face second seed Alex Zverev.

Despite the defeat, Fonseca became the first seeded Brazilian player in the men's singles draw since 2011 and the first teenager to defeat Novak Djokovic at a Grand Slam.