After the defeat, Zverev said fatigue had affected his performance and that he needed time to recover.

SHANGHAI: Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina produced a spirited comeback to defeat top seed Alexander Zverev in three sets and reach the Shanghai Masters final on Saturday.

The world No. 26 recovered from losing the opening set to beat the German 5-7, 6-4, 6-3 in a tense semi-final. He will face either Daniil Medvedev or fellow Spaniard Rafael Jodar in Sunday’s final.

The 27-year-old combined determination, quick returns and delicate drop shots to overcome Zverev, who had been struggling with fatigue and a possible ankle issue during the tournament.

“I was a little bit nervous,” Davidovich Fokina said, reflecting on his slow start. “But I keep going, I keep fighting, every ball.”

The victory extended the Spaniard’s winning streak in China to nine matches following his title-winning campaign at the ATP 250 event in Chengdu.

Davidovich Fokina Turns the Match Around

The opening set featured extended rallies, with both players producing impressive shots. Davidovich Fokina earned a high-five from Zverev after a particularly effective lob.

Despite a number of misjudged shots, Zverev avoided facing a break point in the first set. He then sprinted across the court to deliver a superb backhand down the line and convert a crucial break point for a 6-5 lead.

The German sealed the set with an ace, appearing on course to return to the Shanghai Masters final for the first time since 2019.

However, the momentum shifted in the second set as Zverev appeared to move with some difficulty. Davidovich Fokina created his first break-point opportunity in the fourth game, but Zverev survived when the Spaniard sent his return into the net.

The Spaniard continued to apply pressure, eventually securing a break to level the match and force a deciding set.

Zverev Cites Fatigue After Defeat

Davidovich Fokina carried his momentum into the final set, racing to a 3-0 lead and putting the top seed under increasing pressure.

Zverev saved two match points, but the resistance proved temporary as the Spaniard completed the victory and secured his place in the final.

After the defeat, Zverev said fatigue had affected his performance and that he needed time to recover.

“I think a break is quite necessary now,” the 29-year-old told reporters. He said he would monitor his fitness before the Vienna tournament, which begins on October 24.

“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,” Zverev said.

The German had experienced discomfort in his ankle at times during the Shanghai tournament.