Davidovich Fokina Rallies Past Jodar to Win First Shanghai Masters Crown

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina produced a remarkable comeback to defeat fellow Spaniard Rafael Jodar in three sets and win the Shanghai Masters title on Sunday, October 18, claiming the biggest trophy of his professional career.

The 27-year-old fought back from a set and a break down to secure a 1–6, 7–6(5), 6–4 victory in a thrilling final at the Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena in Shanghai, China.

Jodar made an impressive start, breaking his opponent twice to take the opening set 6–1. The 20-year-old looked poised to claim his first Masters 1000 title as he continued to put pressure on Davidovich Fokina early in the second set.

However, the 25th-seeded Davidovich Fokina refused to surrender. He recovered the break in the second set, saved crucial break points and forced a tiebreak, where he prevailed 7–5 to level the contest.

The momentum shifted in the deciding set, with Davidovich Fokina breaking Jodar twice before closing out the match after two hours and 27 minutes. His victory completed another comeback in a tournament where he had already fought through difficult matches against several highly ranked opponents.

The Shanghai triumph is Davidovich Fokina’s first ATP Masters 1000 title and the third ATP Tour singles title of his career. He had previously won tournaments in Mallorca and Chengdu earlier this year, making 2026 a breakthrough season for the Spaniard.

Jodar, meanwhile, leaves Shanghai with his reputation significantly enhanced. The 20-year-old reached his first Masters 1000 final and became the youngest finalist in the tournament’s history, capping a rapid rise after being ranked outside the world’s top 900 little more than a year ago.

Davidovich Fokina’s victory is also a personal milestone after he lost his first five tour-level finals, including the 2022 Monte Carlo Masters final. Winning in Shanghai marks a turnaround for the Spaniard, who has now won his most recent three finals.

The result is expected to lift Davidovich Fokina to a career-high world ranking of No. 13 when the ATP rankings are updated on Monday, further underlining the significance of his Shanghai success.