Alejandro Davidovich Wins Maiden Masters 1000 Title in Shanghai

 

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina has clinched his maiden ATP Masters 1000 title at the Shanghai Masters, defeating his countryman and opponent, Rafael Jodar, in the final. 

Contrary to many expectations, the reigning world No. 1 Alexander Zverev did not reach the Shanghai Masters final. Earlier this week, Zverev was confirmed as the season world champion with 11, 000 points. Unfortunately, he lost to Davidovich in the semi-final in three sets. 

Though Jodar started off strong, Davidovich rallied, forcing a tiebreak and a third-set decider to win by 1-6, 7-6(5), 6-4. Jodar was bidding for his maiden Masters 1000 title in Shanghai. 

The second set was poised to be Jodar's before Davidovich broke for the first time in the sixth game. He saved a break point in the seventh game to take a 4-3 lead before winning two set points in the tie-break. 

Davidovich's athleticism helped him through the third. His forehand was stronger and deeper, while Jodar was a little fatigued. He broke for the second time in the fifth game to take a 3-2 lead.

Jodar took a timeout at 5-3 after twisting his ankle. He returned to win the game, but Davidovich won his third break point to claim the championship point. 

"I never thought that I was going to win a Masters 1000 now after two months out," Davidovich recalled in a post-match interview, speaking in Spanish. "I haven't thought much about the ranking nor looked at it. Now everyone will look at the points, but I just want to play, enjoy, go onto the court...smile, and enjoy it."

Davidovich won his first title of the season at the Mallorca Championship. Winning the Shanghai Masters makes it his third of the season.