João Souza, known as “Feijão” (Portuguese for “Bean”), was a professional tennis player from Brazil who made his mark on the international tennis scene.
His career was marked by both achievements and controversies, ultimately leading to a premature end due to match-fixing allegations.
João Souza’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | João Olavo Soares de Souza |
| Nickname | Feijão |
| Born | May 27, 1988 |
| Age | 36 |
| Nationality | Brazilian |
| Height | 6’1″ (185 cm) |
| Turned Pro | 2006 |
| Highest ATP Singles Ranking | No. 69 (April 6, 2015) |
| Net Worth | $200,000 |
| Instagram Profile | @joaosouzav |
Early Career
João Souza’s tennis journey began in his youth, with his talent becoming evident as he progressed through junior tournaments.
In 2011, he made his Grand Slam debut at the US Open, qualifying for the main draw.
Although he was defeated in the first round by wildcard Robby Ginepri, this marked an important milestone in his career.
Souza’s early years were characterized by steady improvement and a growing presence on the Challenger Tour, where he honed his skills and gained valuable experience against international competition.
Professional Career
Souza’s professional career saw him become a regular fixture on the ATP Tour and Challenger circuit.
In 2014, he achieved a notable victory over world No. 45 Robin Haase at the ATP 250 São Paulo, showcasing his ability to compete with higher-ranked players.
His career reached its peak in 2015 when he attained his highest ATP singles ranking of No. 69.
That same year, Souza etched his name in tennis history by participating in the longest singles match in Davis Cup history, a grueling 6-hour and 42-minute battle against Leonardo Mayer, which he ultimately lost.
João Souza’s Net Worth Details
João Souza’s net worth is estimated to be $200,000 as of 2025.
Prize Money
| Year | Singles Prize Money | Doubles Prize Money | Total Prize Money |
|---|---|---|---|
| Career Total | $1,252,688 | $328,487 | $1,581,175 |
Career Records
| Tournament | Best Result | Year | Notable Opponents Defeated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Slam Events | Second Round (Australian Open) | 2015 | Pablo Carreño Busta |
| Davis Cup | Participated in longest singles match | 2015 | Leonardo Mayer (lost) |
| ATP Tour | Quarterfinals (São Paulo) | 2014 | Robin Haase |
FAQs
1. Who is João Souza?
João Olavo Soares de Souza is a Brazilian former professional tennis player, born on May 27, 1988. He competed mainly on the ATP Challenger Tour in both singles and doubles.
2. What was João Souza’s highest ATP ranking?
João Souza reached his highest ATP singles ranking of No. 69 on April 6, 2015, and his highest ATP doubles ranking of No. 70 on January 7, 2013.
3. What is João Souza’s nickname?
João Souza is also known as “Feijão,” which means “Bean” in Portuguese.
4. What was João Souza’s most notable achievement in Davis Cup?
In 2015, Souza played in the longest singles match in Davis Cup history, losing to Leonardo Mayer in 6 hours and 42 minutes with a score of 6–7(4), 6–7(5), 7–5, 7–5, 13–15.
5. How many ATP Challenger titles did João Souza win?
João Souza won 12 ATP Challenger singles titles throughout his career.
6. When did João Souza win his last ATP Challenger title?
João Souza’s last ATP Challenger title was in 2016 when he won the International Tennis Tournament of Cortina, beating Laslo Djere in the final.
7. What happened to João Souza’s tennis career?
In January 2020, the Tennis Integrity Unit issued João Souza a lifetime ban after he was convicted on match-fixing charges.
8. Did João Souza ever reach a Grand Slam main draw?
Yes, João Souza qualified for the US Open main draw in 2011 but was defeated in the first round by wildcard Robby Ginepri.
9. What was João Souza’s best performance in an ATP Tour event?
João Souza reached the final of an ATP Tour doubles event in February 2015 at the Ecuador Open, partnering with Víctor Estrella Burgos.
10. How much prize money did João Souza earn during his tennis career?
João Souza earned $639,636 in prize money throughout his professional tennis career.
