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Tennis delivered a stunning surprise in Shanghai on Saturday, as Alejandro Davidovich Fokina upset Alexander Zverev and Rafael Jodar defeated Daniil Medvedev to create an all-Spanish Shanghai Masters final.
Davidovich Fokina, the 25th seed, overcame the recently crowned year-end No. 1 Zverev 5-7, 6-4, 6-3. The victory sends the Spaniard into the second Masters final of his career and gives him another opportunity to secure one of the biggest titles of his career.
Explosive Tennis Upset Sends Davidovich Fokina Through
The match initially appeared to be moving in Zverev’s favor. The top-seeded German served out the opening set with an ace, but Davidovich Fokina gradually raised his level and began putting pressure on the reigning year-end No. 1.
Zverev faced two break points early in the second set. Davidovich Fokina eventually broke through with a brilliant two-handed backhand down the line, leveling the match and changing its momentum. An ace then helped him move 4-1 ahead in the deciding set.
Zverev managed to stay alive in the eighth game, saving two match points while serving at 15-40. However, Davidovich Fokina held his nerve and completed the upset on his third match point when Zverev could not handle a sliced serve on the forehand side.
“Today I was flat, even in the first set, even though I won the set,” Zverev said, according to the Associated Press. “I was not reacting so well. I was returning quite badly.”
The German also acknowledged that fatigue played a major role. Zverev said he had carried the effects of a demanding schedule into the tournament and accepted that Davidovich Fokina deserved the victory.
“I feel like I’ve actually, in a way, maybe overachieved this week because of how much tennis I played,” Zverev said. “I carried fatigue into the tournament, and I’m OK to lose to a player like this today.”
Davidovich Fokina Chasing Another Major Breakthrough
The result marks the second Masters final appearance for Davidovich Fokina. His previous run came at Monte Carlo in 2022, where he reached the championship match on clay.
The 25-year-old enters the Shanghai final in strong form. He won the ATP 250 Chengdu Open in China last month and will now attempt to claim his third title of the year and the third championship of his career.
- Davidovich Fokina defeated Alexander Zverev 5-7, 6-4, 6-3.
- He reached his second career Masters final.
- He is seeking his third title of 2026.
- His previous Masters final came at Monte Carlo in 2022.
Rafael Jodar Completes Historic Spanish Final
Davidovich Fokina’s breakthrough was followed by another major upset. Rafael Jodar, the No. 12 seed, defeated 2019 Shanghai champion Daniil Medvedev 6-3, 6-4 to reach his first Masters final.
Medvedev tried to extend the contest late in the second set. Serving at 3-5, he saved three match points and held serve. Jodar responded with composure in the next game, sealing the victory on his own serve.
The decisive moment came when Medvedev’s tame smash at the net sat up for Jodar. The young Spaniard clipped a forehand winner down the line to complete an impressive victory over the former champion.
At 20 years old, Jodar is now preparing for the biggest final of his young career. He is seeking his second career title after winning the Grand Prix Hassan II on clay in Marrakech, Morocco, in April.
The Shanghai matchup will be the first Masters final contested between two Spanish players. It also highlights the depth of Spanish tennis beyond established stars such as Carlos Alcaraz.
What the Shanghai Final Means
The final gives both players a significant chance to strengthen their standing on the ATP Tour. Davidovich Fokina brings experience from a previous Masters final, while Jodar arrives with the momentum of a breakthrough run against a former champion.
For Davidovich Fokina, victory would confirm the progress he has made since his Chengdu triumph. For Jodar, a title would represent the biggest achievement of his career and potentially establish him as one of the sport’s rising young players.
Zverev, meanwhile, is scheduled to compete at the ATP 500 event in Vienna beginning Oct. 26. The tournament could give him a chance to recover from his Shanghai disappointment and potentially face seven-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who reached the Shanghai Masters final?
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina and Rafael Jodar reached the Shanghai Masters final after winning their respective semifinals.
Who did Davidovich Fokina defeat?
Davidovich Fokina defeated top seed Alexander Zverev 5-7, 6-4, 6-3 in a three-set semifinal.
Who did Rafael Jodar beat?
Jodar defeated 2019 Shanghai champion Daniil Medvedev 6-3, 6-4 to reach his first Masters final.
What titles are the players seeking?
Davidovich Fokina is chasing his third career title, while Jodar is aiming for his second championship.
Why is the final historic?
The Shanghai Masters final will feature two Spanish players, creating a notable all-Spanish championship matchup.
