The key facts

  • Davidovich Fokina won the Shanghai Masters, defeating Jodar 1-6, 7-6 (7/5), 6-4
  • First 1000-level title of his career for the 27-year-old Spaniard; his winning streak in China reached 10 matches
  • 20-year-old Jodar is the youngest finalist in the tournament's history in Shanghai; he suffered hip injuries in the third set

Victory in the Tiebreak and the Deciding Set

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina on Sunday, October 18, won the final of the Masters 1000 tournament in Shanghai, defeating compatriot Rafael Jodar 1-6, 7-6 (7/5), 6-4. For the 27-year-old Spaniard, ranked 26th in the world, this is his first title at the prestigious 1000 level and the biggest achievement of his career. The victory extended his streak in China to 10 matches — earlier he won the ATP 250 tournament in Chengdu. 'I don't know what to say. I don't know what I feel. Just a huge relief,' the tennis player said after the match.

Jodar's Confident Start

20-year-old Jodar, ranked 13th and rising quickly, became the youngest finalist in the history of the tournament in Shanghai. Despite this, he called the final 'just another tennis match' and added: 'I just tried to enjoy the moment. I gave everything, but today it was not meant to be.' He started the match flawlessly: he broke as early as 2-0, led with a break again at 5-1, and closed out the first set in 27 minutes, finishing it with an ace. Davidovich Fokina pressured his backhand, but his opponent stayed calm while Davidovich Fokina himself made a series of errors.

The Outcome in the Second and Third Sets

In the second set, Davidovich Fokina lost his serve, trailing 2-3, but immediately broke back to level at 3-3. Both players held serve stubbornly; in the ninth game, a rally had to be replayed because of a ball that rolled onto the court. Davidovich Fokina, shouting in frustration, saved two break points and moved ahead 6-5, but Jodar snatched the tiebreak with a dangerous backhand, where the more experienced compatriot nevertheless proved more precise.

Jodar's Injuries in the Third Set

In the deciding set, Davidovich Fokina broke immediately, Jodar answered with a break of his own, but at 3-2 in Davidovich Fokina's favor he again lost his serve. At 3-4, Jodar took a medical timeout for his right hip, and in the ninth game, which he had to win, he doubled over in pain but extended the match; at 4-5 he needed the trainer for his left hip as well. Davidovich Fokina converted his second match point.

The Winner's Words

'This will be a memory for the rest of my life,' Davidovich Fokina said at the award ceremony. He also praised his opponent: 'You are 20 years old, but you have a great future ahead. And you will be here many more times.'