Alexander Zverev suffered a disappointing defeat in the Shanghai Masters semi-finals as Alejandro Davidovich Fokina produced a determined comeback to secure a 5-7, 6-4, 6-3 victory on Saturday. The Spaniard recovered from losing the opening set to overcome the top seed and book his place in the final after a gripping three-set contest.
Davidovich Fokina showed remarkable resilience against one of the biggest names in men’s tennis, using aggressive returns, clever drop shots and relentless baseline pressure to turn the match around. His victory also extended his winning streak in China to nine matches following his title-winning campaign in Chengdu.
For Zverev, the defeat brought an end to his Shanghai Masters campaign and raised fresh questions about his physical condition heading into the final stretch of the tennis season. The German acknowledged that fatigue and an existing injury had affected him during the tournament.
Davidovich Fokina fights back after losing opening set
The Shanghai Masters semi-final began with both players competing intensely, producing several lengthy rallies and testing each other’s movement from the baseline. Zverev, who entered the contest as the top seed, looked composed during the crucial stages of the opening set despite making a number of unforced errors.
Davidovich Fokina attempted to disrupt the German’s rhythm with changes of pace and attacking shots, but Zverev remained difficult to break down. The Spaniard also demonstrated his athleticism with an impressive lob that earned a high-five from his opponent after one particularly entertaining exchange.
Despite the competitive nature of the opening set, neither player managed to create a clear advantage early on. Zverev maintained his serve without facing a break point and gradually increased the pressure as the set approached its conclusion.
The decisive moment arrived when Zverev produced a brilliant backhand down the line to earn a crucial break. Moving ahead 6-5, the German took control of the set before serving out for a 7-5 lead with an ace.
At that stage, Zverev appeared well positioned to reach the Shanghai Masters final for the first time since 2019. However, Davidovich Fokina refused to let the setback affect his approach.
The Spaniard continued to compete aggressively, recognising that he needed to make Zverev work for every point. His persistence eventually paid off as the match entered its second set.
Zverev struggles physically as momentum shifts
The second set proved to be the turning point in the contest. Zverev began to show signs of physical discomfort, while Davidovich Fokina continued to move confidently around the court and apply pressure on the German’s serve.
The Spaniard earned his first break-point opportunity in the fourth game, putting Zverev under immediate pressure. The German managed to escape when Davidovich Fokina sent his return into the net, temporarily keeping the match on serve.
However, Zverev could not maintain that level of control throughout the set. Davidovich Fokina continued to attack, using his quick reactions and ability to redirect the ball to force difficult decisions from his opponent.
Eventually, the Spaniard secured the crucial break and took advantage of the opening to level the match. His 6-4 victory in the second set erased Zverev’s early advantage and sent the semi-final into a deciding third set.
The shift in momentum was evident. Davidovich Fokina had grown increasingly confident, while Zverev faced the challenge of managing his fitness during a match that demanded considerable physical effort.
The German had experienced ankle discomfort at various points during the Shanghai tournament. Although he continued to compete, the physical demands of the semi-final appeared to make his task more difficult as the contest progressed.
Spaniard dominates the deciding set
Davidovich Fokina carried his momentum into the third set and immediately put Zverev under pressure. The Spaniard raced into a 3-0 lead, leaving the German with little room for error.
Zverev attempted to extend the contest and showed determination by saving two match points. However, Davidovich Fokina remained composed when the opportunity to finish the match arrived.
The Spaniard eventually closed out a 5-7, 6-4, 6-3 victory, completing an impressive comeback against the tournament’s top seed.
The result highlighted Davidovich Fokina’s ability to remain competitive even after losing a closely fought opening set. Rather than attempting to force every point, he mixed powerful groundstrokes with delicate drop shots and used his movement to keep Zverev uncomfortable.
His willingness to fight for extended rallies also played an important role. Against a player of Zverev’s calibre, maintaining concentration after falling behind can be difficult, but the Spaniard consistently found ways to stay in the contest.
Speaking after the match, Davidovich Fokina admitted that nerves had affected him during the opening stages.
“I was a little bit nervous,” he said, reflecting on his start.
“But I kept going, I kept fighting, every ball,” the Spaniard added.
Those comments captured the approach that helped him recover from a set down and secure one of his most significant victories of the tournament.
Zverev admits fatigue caught up with him
Zverev did not hide his physical difficulties after the defeat. The German acknowledged that he had entered the tournament carrying fatigue and an injury, making the demanding semi-final particularly challenging.
“I think a break is quite necessary now,” Zverev told reporters after the match.
He added that he would assess his fitness before deciding how to approach the upcoming Vienna tournament, scheduled to begin on October 24.
Zverev also accepted that Davidovich Fokina had played well enough to deserve the victory.
“I carried a little bit of injury, I carried fatigue into the tournament, and I’m okay to lose to a player like this today,” he said.
The comments suggested that recovery would be an important priority for the German as he prepares for the remaining tournaments of the season.
For a player competing at the highest level of professional tennis, managing physical condition is often just as important as maintaining form. A demanding schedule can leave even elite athletes struggling to perform at their best, particularly when injuries begin to affect movement and consistency.
Zverev’s defeat therefore represented more than a missed opportunity to reach another final. It also provided a reminder of the physical demands associated with competing deep into major ATP Tour events.
What Davidovich Fokina’s victory means
Davidovich Fokina’s run in China has strengthened his position as a player capable of challenging higher-ranked opponents when he finds his rhythm. His nine-match winning streak in the country, following his Chengdu title, underlines the confidence he has built during this part of the season.
The Spaniard’s performance against Zverev was particularly encouraging because he found a way to win after losing a close opening set. His ability to adjust tactically, maintain intensity and take advantage of his opponent’s physical struggles proved decisive.
The victory also secured him a place in the Shanghai Masters final, where he was set to face either Daniil Medvedev or fellow Spaniard Rafael Jodar, according to the tournament scenario described ahead of the final.
For Zverev, attention now turns to recovery and preparation for Vienna. His decision on how to approach the next event will depend on his physical assessment following the Shanghai campaign.
The defeat will be frustrating for the German, who had started the semi-final strongly and appeared in control after taking the first set. Nevertheless, Davidovich Fokina’s response demonstrated why matches at this level are rarely decided by an early advantage alone.
As the Shanghai Masters reaches its closing stages, the Spaniard has given himself a major opportunity to add another trophy to his season. His comeback against Zverev will also provide confidence that he can compete with top-level opposition under pressure.
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