Shanghai, October 17 (H.S.): Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina pulled off a major upset on Saturday, defeating Germany’s Alexander Zverev, the world’s second-ranked player, in the semifinals of the Shanghai Masters tennis tournament. Davidovich Fokina secured a 5-7, 6-4, 6-3 victory in a contest lasting two hours and six minutes to reach the final of an ATP Masters 1000 tournament for the second time in his career.

Ranked 26th in the world, Davidovich Fokina lost the opening set 5-7 after a closely fought battle. However, the Spaniard mounted an impressive comeback in the second set. Displaying excellent baseline play, he broke Zverev’s serve in the 10th game to clinch the set 6-4 and level the match. The second set lasted 46 minutes.

A double fault by Zverev early in the deciding set gave Davidovich Fokina a crucial advantage. The Spaniard capitalised on the opportunity and maintained his momentum to win the third set 6-3 and seal his place in the final.

Speaking after the match, Davidovich Fokina said, “The result doesn’t matter; I was just focusing on every ball. I knew that if I stayed in the match throughout, I would get at least one opportunity. I got that chance in the second set and made the most of it. In the third set, I think I was physically stronger. The advantage I gained at the beginning of the third set gave me a lot of confidence. Instead of worrying about the result, I focused on playing and enjoying the game.”

During the deciding set, Davidovich Fokina earned two match points while leading 5-2 on Zverev’s serve but was unable to convert either of them. The German won the next game to keep his hopes alive. However, Davidovich Fokina held his serve to close out the match and secure his place in the title clash.

The Spaniard also reflected on the ups and downs of his career and his thoughts about the future. “When you are away from the game, it isn’t easy. You have a lot of time to think. We are very fortunate to be here and have the opportunity to play this sport. This time has given me plenty of opportunities to reflect on what I want to do with my future,” he said.

Davidovich Fokina will now turn his attention to the final, where he is set to face either fellow Spaniard Rafael Jodar or Russia’s Daniil Medvedev.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar