Davidovich Fokina Fights Back To Claim Biggest Career Title In Shanghai

Davidovich Fokina beats Jodar to win Shanghai Masters title

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina staged a stunning comeback to defeat fellow Spaniard Rafael Jodar 1-6, 7-6(5), 6-4 in the Shanghai Masters final on Sunday, claiming the biggest title of his career and extending his winning run in China to 10 matches.

Davidovich Fokina stuns Jodar to lift Shanghai Masters...

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina battled back to defeat fellow Spaniard Rafael Jodar in the Shanghai Masters final on Sunday and secure the biggest title of his career.

The tenacious world No. 26 from Spain dug deep to overcome his fatigued compatriot 1-6, 7-6(5), 6-4 after dropping the opening set.

“I don't know what to say. I don't know what I feel. Just like a huge relief,” Davidovich Fokina said after clinching the Shanghai crown.

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 🤝 Arthur Fils @SH_RolexMasters | #RolexShanghaiMasters https://t.co/WeCsrsb8O5

— ATP Tour (@atptour) October 18, 2026

It is a maiden title at the prestigious Masters 1000 level for the 27-year-old, who stretched his winning run in China to 10 matches after previously lifting the trophy at the ATP 250 event in Chengdu.

The 20-year-old Jodar, ranked 13th and rising quickly, was ruthless from the outset.

He reached over his shoulder to save a point before sealing it with a thumping overhead smash as he broke for a 2-0 lead.

FIRST MASTERS 1000 TITLE 🏆 The moment Alejandro Davidovich Fokina captured a maiden Masters 1000 crown in Shanghai 👏 #RolexShanghaiMasters https://t.co/vWIm0Ue2kX

— ATP Tour (@atptour) October 18, 2026

Davidovich Fokina targeted his backhand, but Jodar remained composed as his opponent slipped into a flurry of unforced errors.

Jodar broke once more to move 5-1 ahead before wrapping up the first set in just 27 minutes with an ace.

A fighting Davidovich Fokina refused to go away despite the one-sided start.

He was broken to gift Jodar a 3-2 lead in the second set but finally found some answers in the following game, falling onto his back to save a point at the net before breaking back to make it 3-3.

Both men fought hard to hold serve in a series of gruelling rallies, with the pair forced to replay a point during the ninth game when a stray ball rolled onto the court.

Davidovich Fokina was shouting in frustration but dug deep to save two break points and move 6-5 ahead when Jodar dumped a return into the net.

But the younger Spaniard refused to crumble, firing a dangerous backhand to force a tie-break.

Leaving EVERYTHING out there 😮‍💨 Alejandro Davidovich Fokina | @SH_RolexMasters | #RolexShanghaiMasters https://t.co/ZFZT28FwUc

— ATP Tour (@atptour) October 18, 2026

The pair were neck and neck, but Davidovich Fokina held his nerve in the tie-break to force a deciding set.

He was suddenly in command, breaking Jodar's serve in the opening game of the third set.

His celebrations were short-lived, however, as Jodar immediately broke back.

But momentum swung his way once more when Jodar fired long to hand the senior Spaniard a 3-2 lead.

Jodar required a medical timeout for his right thigh as he trailed Davidovich Fokina 4-3.

He buckled in visible pain as he chased a point during a must-win ninth game, managing to keep the match alive for a little longer but needing the trainer again for his left thigh at 5-4.

Davidovich Fokina sensed victory and wrapped up the title on his second championship point.