Alejandro Davidovich Fokina capped an impressive week at the Rolex Shanghai Masters by fighting back from a set down to defeat fellow Spaniard Rafael Jodar in the final, claiming his first ATP Masters 1000 title.
The 27-year-old showed remarkable resilience throughout the tournament, repeatedly recovering from difficult situations to reach the championship match. One of his most dramatic moments came in the third round, when he saved a match point against Frances Tiafoe. He also came from behind to beat Hubert Hurkacz and Alexander Zverev, demonstrating his ability to handle pressure against some of the tour’s toughest opponents.
The final presented another major challenge. Jodar, enjoying a breakthrough season, dominated the opening set 6-1 before securing an early break in the second to put Davidovich Fokina under further pressure. However, the Spaniard refused to give up, fighting back to level the set and force a tie-break. He then held his nerve to win it, taking the match into a deciding set.
Davidovich Fokina carried that momentum into the third set. After the players exchanged early breaks, he found another gear and broke Jodar in the fifth game. He maintained his advantage from there, making the most of his opportunities to close out the victory and complete a memorable comeback.
The title marks a significant achievement for Davidovich Fokina, who endured a difficult period earlier in the year due to a back injury and other physical problems. He missed around two months of competition before returning to the ATP Tour in Chengdu, where he also won a title just weeks before his Shanghai triumph.
Reflecting on the victory, Davidovich Fokina admitted he was struggling to process the moment.
“I have a blank mind,” he said. “Just a huge relief. After the first set I had to keep trying, keep pushing, like every match in the tournament.”
His performance in Shanghai will also bring a major boost to his world ranking. He is set to climb 13 places to a career-high No. 13, underlining the progress he has made following his injury setbacks.
Jodar also has plenty to celebrate despite falling short in the final. The Spaniard is expected to rise two places to a joint career-high No. 11. A victory would have secured his first appearance in the world’s top 10, but he remains ninth in the race to the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin.
Davidovich Fokina credited his team and drew inspiration from fellow player Arthur Fils, who has also faced injury challenges. His Shanghai campaign highlighted not only his physical endurance but also the confidence and determination needed to recover from setbacks.
After repeatedly escaping difficult positions throughout the week, Davidovich Fokina delivered his biggest comeback when it mattered most, securing the biggest title of his career and a new milestone in his return to form.