Davidovich Fokina Clinches Shanghai Masters Title With Comeback Over Jodar

Spain's Alejandro Davidovich Fokina fought back from a set down to overcome tiring compatriot Rafael Jodar 1-6, 7-6(5), 6-4 to win the Shanghai Masters. The victory earned the 27-year-old world number 26 his first title at the ATP Masters 1000 level and extended his winning streak in China to 10 matches, following his recent title run at an ATP 250 tournament in Chengdu.

After the final, Davidovich Fokina shared that he was at a loss for words and feelings, describing the outcome as a massive sense of relief.

The 20-year-old Jodar, the world number 13, began the match in commanding form. He broke serve to claim a 2-0 lead by reaching over his shoulder to stay in the rally before finishing the point with an overhead smash. Although Davidovich Fokina tried to apply pressure to his opponent's backhand, Jodar remained steady while Davidovich Fokina committed a string of mistakes. Jodar secured another break to take a 5-1 lead and sealed the opening set with an ace after only 27 minutes.

Davidovich Fokina mounted a determined comeback in the second set. He initially surrendered his serve to give Jodar a 3-2 advantage, but immediately recovered in the next game, falling to his back at the net to win a crucial point and tie the set at 3-3. A succession of intense exchanges followed, including a replay during the ninth game after a ball strayed onto the court. Despite showing frustration, Davidovich Fokina saved two break points to lead 6-5 when Jodar netted a return. Jodar held off defeat with a piercing backhand to trigger a tie-break, but Davidovich Fokina held his nerve in the decider to level the match.

Davidovich Fokina carried that momentum into the third set, breaking Jodar's serve in the opening game. Jodar quickly broke back, but Davidovich Fokina regained the upper hand when Jodar missed long to hand him a 3-2 lead.

Physical issues soon caught up with the younger Spaniard, who called for a medical timeout to receive treatment on his right thigh while trailing 4-3. Jodar buckled in pain during a pivotal ninth game but managed to keep the match alive, subsequently requiring attention from a trainer on his left thigh while down 5-4. Davidovich Fokina kept his focus and closed out the contest on his second championship point to lift the trophy.