Monte Carlo Masters: Alejandro Davidovich Fokina claims comeback win

ATP Tour
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina of Spain

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina fought back from a set down to defeat tenth seed Taylor Fritz and advance to the Monte Carlo Masters semifinals.

It is the first time Davidovich Fokina has reached the last four in an ATP 1000 event.

His 2-6, 6-4, 6-3 win over Fritz follows a sensational second round victory over Novak Djokovic and a win over former top ten player David Goffin.

“I am so, so happy,” Davidovich Fokina said in his on-court interview. “Last year I reached the quarter-finals. The emotions to be in the semi-finals are so high. I am enjoying every point. In the first set I had a lot of chances to break but I didn’t do it. But I just stayed focused and believed in myself.”

If he wants to gain the final Davidovich Fokina will have to find another top-notch performance as either 2018 semi-finalist Grigor Dimitrov or 11th seed Hubert Hurkacz awaits in the last four.

“When you beat the World No. 1 it gives you a lot of confidence physically, mentally and technically,” Davidovich Fokina added. “I am pushing myself every match to play harder and harder.”

Despite carrying a niggle, Fritz moved well and edged what was a closely contested first set.

Dropping deep and playing to his strengths Davidovich Fokina showed why he is a dangerous player on clay as he powered back.

The Spaniard finally secured the crucial break in the ninth game of the second stanza before he levelled the match on his first set point, roaring in delight.

From then on it always looked likely that the Spaniard would win the day.

Fritz isn’t a lover of clay but has always tried to grind out results on the swing and his run to the last eight is a good return for the Indian Wells champion.

He is the first American to reach the quarterfinals in Monte Carlo since Sam Querrey in 2008.

Davidovich Fokina has enjoyed having a crowd that has given him vocal backing and it has shown on court.

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina

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