Davidovich Fokina and Chwalinska Secure Historic Triumphs in Shanghai and Wuhan

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina produced a remarkable week of comebacks to claim the biggest title of his career at the Shanghai Masters. The 27-year-old Spaniard rallied from a set down to defeat compatriot Rafael Jodar 1-6, 7-6(5), 6-4 in Sunday’s final. After being swept aside in the 27-minute opening set, Davidovich Fokina edged the second-set tiebreak and outlasted his opponent in the decider. The victory marked his third consecutive final win of 2026, following titles in Mallorca and Chengdu, and extended his winning streak in China to 10 matches after returning from a two-month back injury layoff.

Davidovich Fokina's path to the trophy featured multiple escapes from the brink of defeat, including saving a match point against Frances Tiafoe in the third round and recovering from a set down against both Hubert Hurkacz and top seed Alexander Zverev. In the final, he saved eight of 12 break points against Jodar. The triumph lifted the Spaniard to a career-high world ranking of 13. Jodar, aged 20, rose to 11th in the world as he pursues qualification for the season-ending ATP Finals in Turin.

Over in Wuhan, Maja Chwalinska captured her maiden career title by overcoming Britain's Sonay Kartal 2-6, 6-4, 6-2 in a final that lasted two hours and 46 minutes. The 25-year-old 16th seed, who defeated Iva Jovic, Maria Sakkari, and Iga Swiatek on her way to the final, won four consecutive games to finish the match and converted her third championship point. Chwalinska became just the third Polish player to claim a WTA 1000 crown, following Swiatek and Agnieszka Radwanska, and only the fourth player in WTA Tour history to win her first title at the 1000 level. The victory moved Chwalinska to a career-high ranking of 11.

Kartal also enjoyed a standout tournament despite the defeat. Ranked 170th entering the event and playing in just her third tournament following a six-month back injury layoff, she became the lowest-ranked finalist in WTA 1000 history and the first British finalist at that level since Johanna Konta in 2019. Her run included upsets over Belinda Bencic and world number six Elina Svitolina, propelling her 121 places up to 49th in the world rankings.

Elsewhere, several top players struggled during the week. In Shanghai, sixth seed Flavio Cobolli suffered his fourth consecutive tour defeat with an opening-round loss to Adrian Mannarino, committing 42 unforced errors in a 1-6, 6-4, 3-6 defeat. Carlos Alcaraz, Ben Shelton, and Arthur Fils also endured early exits. In Wuhan, top seed Aryna Sabalenka was eliminated 6-3, 4-6, 6-7(5) by American Ann Li, who converted her 10th match point to secure the win. Jessica Pegula, Bencic, and Marta Kostyuk were also knocked out prior to the third round.

The tour now shifts focus to the remaining qualification battles for the year-end finals. Swiatek, world number one Elena Rybakina, Kostyuk, and Jovic headline the WTA field in Ningbo. On the men's side, Daniil Medvedev aims to defend his title in Almaty, Cobolli, Taylor Fritz, and Tommy Paul are set to compete at the Lyon Open, and Fils features at the ATP 250 event in Brussels.