Zverev stages thrilling comeback with gritty victory over Davidovich Fokina to reach China Open Quarterfinals
ATP
Alexander
Zverev made a comeback in a tough match against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina,
winning 6-7(4), 6-2, 6-1, and advanced to the quarterfinals of the China Open.
The German
arrived in good form after his recent performances, reaching the semifinals of
the Cincinnati Open and the quarterfinals of the US Open, in addition to
winning the title in Chengdu the previous week. This translates to 13 victories
in his last 15 matches, with his only losses coming against world No. 1 and
world No. 2, Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz.
With confidence
from his 24th career title win the previous week and a successful debut against
Diego Schwartzman in Shanghai, Zverev faced a tough opponent in Alejandro
Davidovich Fokina (25th). Zverev had a 3-1 record in his favor against
Davidovich Fokina, but their most recent encounter resulted in a victory for
the Spanish player at the Toronto Open less than two months ago.
During the
first set, neither player could hold their serves with ease. Zverev had an 89%
first serve percentage but only won 49% of those points, while Davidovich
Fokina had a 62% first serve percentage but won 58% of those points. The
inconsistency in their serving allowed Davidovich Fokina to break Zverev's
serve on three occasions, but Zverev quickly responded in the following game.
Despite six
breaks of serve, neither player could establish a clear advantage, leading to a
tie-break. In a similar fashion to the rest of the set, Davidovich Fokina won
the tie-break 7-4 after 78 minutes.
The second
set saw a complete change in the match as Zverev found his rhythm with his
serve. He didn't face any break points against him and secured two breaks in
his favor to win the set 6-2.
Although
Zverev's first serve percentage dropped to 65%, Davidovich Fokina could only
win 29% of the points when returning Zverev's first serve and 33% on the second
serve, significantly lower than Zverev's 44% and 40%, respectively.
In the
third set, Zverev continued to dominate, leaving behind the inconsistencies of
the first set. Finally, the former world No. 2 proved superior to Davidovich
Fokina, who struggled with precision towards the end of the match.
Clearly
disappointed with his level, Davidovich Fokina couldn't do much against Zverev,
and the Spaniard lost the match with a decisive score of 6-7(4), 6-2, 6-1.
In the
quarterfinals, Zverev will face Nicolas Jarry (23rd), who defeated the fourth
seed Stefanos Tsitsipas (6th) in the first round and then overcame the
22-year-old Matteo Arnaldi (48th).
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.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??
mandoist08-11-2026 - Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.mandoist06-11-2026
- Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.mandoist05-11-2026
- Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.mandoist31-10-2026
