"I’m 18 in the world. I think I deserved to be there": Alejandro Davidovich Fokina puzzled by Davis Cup Finals snub by David Ferrer

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina has been left insulted as he has been left out of the team for the Davis Cup Finals which are due to take place in the coming weeks. Carlos Alcaraz will be supported in Bologna by Jaume Munar, Pedro Martínez, and Marcel Granollers.

A fifth player has yet to be confirmed but Davidovich Fokina has confirmed that he has been left out of contention, a thought process he is baffled by due to the fact that he is 18th in the world so vastly higher ranked than the others picked.

So while on the surface he perhaps may have gone down the Sinner withdrawal route, it is very much to the contrary and despite missing ties earlier in the season was very much up for selection to play in Bologna before being told of the decision not to include him at all.

"It was the Captain’s decision and I respect it. Obviously, I would have loved to be on the list and represent my country, but this time he has decided to count on other players," said Davidovich Fokina to Marca in an interview translated from Spanish to English.

He was asked how he found out about the lack of a callup and he said that Ferrer rang him but he wasn't left too pleased. "David called me a week ago to inform me I would not be in the first list. Even before that call, I had told him he could count on me. It will always be a source of pride for me to represent Spain, but in the end it was his decision and I accepted it."

"I’m at my best ranking, world number 18, and I’m the number two Spaniard. I feel very proud of the work I have done with my team this year, especially coming from a difficult year before. The players selected are also great and I’m sure they will give everything for Spain."

But while he missed the call-ups against Switzerland and Denmark, he remarked why and said that they were fully aware about his physical condition. "I missed those ties due to physical problems. This year I have competed without rest, and my retirements in Toronto and Cincinnati were a warning about my condition. The Captain was aware of everything and in communication with me and my team."

Asked if he would consider being the fifth player, he saw it as a bit of an insult to be thought of as such and believes he deserves to be there on merit not based on withdrawals. "Being ranked number 18 in the world, I believe I deserved to be among the four best players of my country, with all due respect to my teammates, who as I have said are also great players. Now, my objective is to focus on what’s left of the season and prepare to reach the highest level next year."

But while he has had this issue in the last week or so, he has not fully given up on playing Davis Cup next year and down the line. "Provided I am physically well and included in the list, it will be a pride for me to represent my country and fight to lead the team to victory."

"Spain has a great team and remains one of the favourites to win the Davis Cup. I fully trust my teammates, I know they will give it all and they have what it takes to conquer the title."