From five lost finals to a Masters 1000 title: Alejandro Davidovich Fokina finally gets his reward - “I cannot describe with words what I achieved”
ATP
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina spent years establishing himself among the best players on the ATP Tour without finding a way to turn that level into a title. He reached the top 15, defeated multiple top-10 opponents and made deep runs at major tournaments, but the trophies remained elusive. After losing his first five ATP finals, including two in which he held match points, the Spaniard finally began changing that narrative in 2026.
His breakthrough season has reached a new level in Shanghai, where Davidovich Fokina captured the most significant title of his career. This Sunday, after coming back from a set down, he defeated his compatriot Rafael Jodar 1-6, 7-6(5), 6-4, claiming this first Masters 1000 title.
The victory followed his triumph in Chengdu in September, giving him two trophies in the space of a month and three titles overall this season. For a player who had waited so long to win consistently at the highest level, the results represent a significant change in his career.
The Spaniard had already shown what he could do against elite opposition, including a run to the Monte Carlo Masters final. Yet reaching the final stages of major tournaments had repeatedly failed to translate into silverware.
“I never thought I would have two titles after two months out”
Davidovich Fokina's own reaction after the Shanghai final captured the significance of the past few weeks better than any statistical comparison could. The Spaniard spoke about the people who helped him through his time away from the court, the unexpected success of his Chinese swing and his desire to step away from tennis for a few days before returning home to his family.
The new world No. 13 struggled to put his achievements into words after securing the Shanghai title, admitting that the results had exceeded what he expected following his absence from competition. “I cannot describe with words what I achieved in this Chinese swing. I never thought I would have two titles after two months out,” he said in press conference.
“But I'm really, really happy. I think my team pushing me. It was difficult when I was at home, and they were pushing me very hard,” he added. “They knew that I can achieve these kind of things. So I am very grateful [for] what they have done, because they were believing in me. And, of course, my wife supported me every day for two months. It's not easy.”
Davidovich Fokina credited his team for maintaining its belief during his time away from competition, while also acknowledging the support of his wife throughout those two months. The victories in Chengdu and Shanghai have since provided a striking return, with the Spaniard collecting consecutive titles during the Asian swing.
“I just want to celebrate with my team this victory”
Davidovich Fokina's Shanghai campaign was not without its difficulties. He admitted to feeling more nervous in the final and explained that he had to rely on his physical intensity and continued belief to find a way through the match.
“Today I was more tight, more nervous. He started very good. The first set, I was not seeing any holes to make a winner. He was everywhere…” Davidovich said. “I just kept believing in myself to see what I can do to break him. I knew it's not going to be easy for him either. He's going to be nervous, maybe he's going to do a couple mistakes that he didn't do before.”
“So I just needed to be there, and on every ball keep believing in myself and try to let him run... That was my strong key today was to be physical in the match, that was my only chance today.”
After the final, the Spaniard was already looking forward to a break from the demands of the tour. Having spent a month in Asia without seeing his family, he made clear that his immediate priority was to enjoy the moment rather than think about the next tournament.
“I don't want to think about next week. I just want to celebrate with my team this victory, enjoy this moment. I'm arriving home tomorrow, after one month here, not seeing my family, not seeing my wife. So, I don't want to think about tennis for next two, three days, just to enjoy.”
Read also
For Davidovich Fokina, Shanghai adds a major title to a career that had long been defined by how close he came without winning. After five consecutive defeats in finals, and no titles to his name by the age of 27, Davidovich has, in just few months, secured three trophies and a well-earned spot in the top 15.
His three trophies in 2026, including two in a single month, mark a different chapter for a player whose ability was rarely in question, but whose wait for titles had become one of the defining stories of his career.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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