Davidovich Fokina Upsets Zverev to Reach All-Spanish Shanghai Masters Final

SHANGHAI: Alejandro Davidovich Fokina stunned top seed Alexander Zverev with a 5-7, 6-4, 6-3 victory on Saturday, advancing to the Shanghai Masters final where he will face fellow Spaniard Rafael Jodar, who defeated former world number one Daniil Medvedev.

In a thrilling two-hour and two-minute match, the 25th seed Davidovich Fokina showcased his prowess by hitting 36 winners, marking only his second win over Zverev in eight encounters. His previous victory against the German came earlier this year at the Canadian Open.

This win not only propels Davidovich Fokina into his second ATP Masters 1000 final, following his runner-up finish in Monte Carlo in 2022, but also highlights his growing stature in the sport. With 82% of his first serves landing in and a strategic focus on Zverev’s forehand, he executed a game plan that kept the crowd engaged and Zverev on the defensive.

Looking ahead, Davidovich Fokina aims to capitalize on this momentum in the final against Jodar, who has also made headlines with his impressive performance. The match promises to be a showcase of Spanish talent on the ATP circuit, with both players eager to claim the prestigious title.