Alejandro Davidovich Fokina pulled off one of the biggest wins of his career on Saturday, rallying past top-seeded Alexander Zverev 5-7, 6-4, 6-3 in the Shanghai Masters semifinals to reach his second career ATP Masters 1000 final. World No 26 Davidovich Fokina downed Zverev 5-7, 6-4, 6-3 in the semi-finals at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Shanghai on Saturday. The result ended Zverev's bid to reach a Masters final he last played in 2019.

A Shaky Start Turns Into a Statement Win

Zverev looked in control for most of the opening set, and despite a series of misjudged shots managed to avoid facing any break points before sprinting to a brilliant backhand down the line, converting a crucial break point to go up 6-5, then closing out the set with an ace. From there, though, the match shifted. Trouble arrived in the second set as Zverev looked to be moving with some difficulty.

Davidovich Fokina Seizes Control

After he was broken in the 11th game of the first set, Davidovich Fokina lost only nine points in the 10 service games he played across the second and third sets. The No. 26 lost a closely fought opening set before he upped his ante and starred on the baseline exchanges, breaking the top seed in the 10th game of the second set to level the match. He got the shot in the arm when Zverev double-faulted at the start of the third set, pounced on the momentum and held his nerve to close out the match.

Speaking to the crowd afterward, Davidovich Fokina reflected on his nervy start and the fight he showed to turn the match around. "I keep going, I keep fighting, every ball," he said, according to comments carried by RTHK.

Zverev's Frustration Boils Over With Umpire

The match also featured a heated exchange between Zverev and the chair umpire. Zverev received a time violation from umpire Mohamed Lahyani during the second set after being punished for taking too long to serve while leading 7-5, 2-1. After holding serve, Zverev complained to the umpire.

What Was Said

"It doesn't matter! He's at the towel, not me," Zverev claimed as he grew frustrated with the experienced official. Lahyani responded that 10 seconds was too quick, noting the receiver is typically given 15 to 18 seconds. The exchange added to a difficult week for the German in Shanghai, which also included a separate dispute over a practice-court slot earlier in the tournament. For more on that run, see our earlier coverage of Zverev's path to the semifinal.

A Career-Defining Run for Davidovich Fokina

The victory is the latest step in a remarkable stretch for the Spaniard. The 25th-seeded Spaniard, who won the ATP 250 Chengdu Open in China last month, reached the second Masters final of his career after losing on clay at Monte Carlo in 2022. With the win, he extended his winning streak in China to nine matches.

By the Numbers

  • Davidovich Fokina produced 36 winners during the match, compared with Zverev's 28, and won 96 of the 178 points played, giving him 54 percent of the total.
  • Zverev hit 18 aces, compared with five from the Spaniard, but could not maintain his advantage after taking the first set.
  • The Spaniard now holds a 2-6 career record against Zverev.

The result is a significant one for the broader picture of the ATP Tour season as players jockey for position heading into the year-end push. It also continues a week of upsets at the tournament, following Hubert Hurkacz's win over Novak Djokovic and a dramatic three-setter involving Cameron Norrie earlier in the draw.

What Comes Next

Davidovich Fokina will await the winner of the other semifinal between Daniil Medvedev and Rafael Jodar for Sunday's final, as he chases his first ATP Masters 1000 title after falling short in Monte Carlo four years ago. For Zverev, the setback does not change his broader trajectory this season, with the German still on track to finish the year at the top of the rankings despite the Shanghai exit. Fans in the United States can follow the rest of the tournament, including Sunday's final, on Shanghai Masters coverage on Tennis Channel.