RismadarVoice Reporters
October 17, 2026
Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina produced a remarkable comeback to defeat top seed Alexander Zverev 5-7, 6-4, 6-3 in the Shanghai Masters semifinals on Saturday, setting up an all-Spanish championship showdown with rising star Rafael Jodar.
The 27-year-old Spaniard, seeded 25th and ranked 26th in the world, recovered from losing the opening set to overcome the German in a fiercely contested encounter at the Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena in Shanghai.
Davidovich Fokina struck 36 winners and landed 82 per cent of his first serves to secure only his second victory in eight career meetings with Zverev.
His triumph earned him a place in his second ATP Masters 1000 final, four years after finishing runner-up at the Monte Carlo Masters in 2022.
The result also extended his winning streak in China to nine matches, continuing an impressive run that included his ATP 250 title victory in Chengdu last month.
DAVIDOVICH FOKINA FIGHTS BACK AFTER LOSING OPENING SET
Zverev entered the semifinal as the tournament’s top seed and favourite, having won six of his previous seven meetings with Davidovich Fokina.
The German took the opening set 7-5, appearing to be on course for another victory over his Spanish opponent.
However, Davidovich Fokina responded with greater aggression from the baseline, combining powerful groundstrokes with precise movement and well-timed attacking shots.
The Spaniard repeatedly targeted Zverev’s forehand and maintained pressure during extended rallies.
His persistence eventually paid off in the second set when he secured a crucial break of serve.
A spectacular running backhand passing shot helped him close out the set 6-4, drawing an enthusiastic reaction from spectators and forcing the match into a decider.
The momentum shifted decisively in the Spaniard’s favour as Zverev struggled to regain control.
EARLY BREAK SEALS VICTORY OVER GERMAN STAR
Davidovich Fokina maintained his attacking approach in the deciding set, capitalising on a double fault from Zverev to secure an early break.
He moved into a 2-0 lead and continued to serve confidently, denying the German opportunities to recover.
The Spaniard’s movement and consistency proved particularly important as the match progressed.
Despite Zverev’s attempts to fight back, Davidovich Fokina maintained his advantage and closed out the final set 6-3.
The victory represented one of the most significant results of his career and his first win over a top-five opponent this season.
His previous victory against Zverev came at the Canadian Open in 2023.
PATIENCE AND PHYSICAL FITNESS KEY TO COMEBACK
Speaking after the match, Davidovich Fokina credited his patience, determination and physical condition for the victory.
He explained that he remained confident despite losing the opening set and concentrated on creating opportunities rather than becoming frustrated.
The Spaniard said his persistence eventually helped him find an opening in the second set.
He also believed he had a physical advantage in the deciding set, with the early break giving him additional confidence.
Davidovich Fokina emphasised that he had approached the contest with the intention of enjoying his tennis rather than focusing excessively on the outcome.
His performance reflected a combination of tactical discipline, improved serving and aggressive baseline play.
ZVEREV’S SHANGHAI CAMPAIGN ENDS IN SEMIFINALS
For Zverev, the defeat brought an end to his hopes of winning the Shanghai Masters title.
The 29-year-old German, a seven-time ATP Masters 1000 champion, had entered the tournament among the leading contenders.
His best previous performance in Shanghai remains his runner-up finish to Daniil Medvedev in 2019.
Zverev acknowledged concerns about his physical condition during the tournament, including accumulated fatigue and ankle discomfort.
He indicated that he would assess his fitness before deciding on his participation in the Vienna tournament later in October.
Despite the semifinal defeat, Zverev has enjoyed a highly successful 2026 season, winning major titles at the French Open and US Open and securing the year-end world number one ranking.
However, his pursuit of another Masters 1000 trophy ended against an opponent who delivered an increasingly confident performance as the match progressed.
RAFAEL JODAR DEFEATS MEDVEDEV TO COMPLETE ALL-SPANISH FINAL
In the second semifinal, 20-year-old Rafael Jodar defeated Russian fifth seed Daniil Medvedev 6-3, 6-4 to secure his first ATP Masters 1000 final appearance.
Jodar produced a composed performance against the former world number one, controlling important points and maintaining his advantage throughout the contest.
The victory denied Medvedev an opportunity to return to the Shanghai final, where he had previously won the title in 2019.
Jodar’s success has been one of the tournament’s standout stories.
The young Spaniard began the season ranked 168th in the world before making rapid progress through the ATP rankings.
His semifinal victory made him the youngest finalist in Shanghai Masters history.
The result also confirmed an all-Spanish final, with both players seeking their first Masters 1000 title.
DAVIDOVICH FOKINA CONTINUES IMPRESSIVE RETURN FROM INJURY
Davidovich Fokina’s progress in Shanghai represents another important achievement following an injury-disrupted period earlier in the season.
The Spaniard missed the North American hard-court swing in August because of injury but returned to competition with renewed confidence.
He subsequently captured the Chengdu title in September before carrying his strong form into Shanghai.
His nine-match winning streak in China has highlighted his improved consistency and ability to compete against leading players.
Earlier in the Shanghai tournament, he also survived demanding three-set encounters against Frances Tiafoe and Hubert Hurkacz.
Against Tiafoe, he saved a match point before advancing.
His performances have strengthened his position in the ATP rankings and reinforced his credentials as a contender for major titles.
ALL-SPANISH FINAL OFFERS CHANCE FOR CAREER-DEFINING TITLE
Sunday’s championship match will bring together two Spanish players at different stages of their careers.
Davidovich Fokina, 27, will be competing in his second Masters 1000 final, while Jodar, 20, will be making his first appearance at that level.
The final will also mark their first meeting on the ATP Tour.
For Davidovich Fokina, victory would represent the biggest title of his career and further reward his resurgence following injury.
For Jodar, the championship offers an opportunity to complete an extraordinary breakthrough campaign with one of the most prestigious titles outside the Grand Slams.
Both players have demonstrated resilience and confidence throughout the tournament, setting the stage for a highly anticipated Spanish contest in Shanghai.
The winner will become the 2026 Shanghai Masters champion and claim a maiden ATP Masters 1000 singles title.
