In a thrilling semi-final match at the ATP 500 event in Acapulco, Spanish tennis star Alejandro Davidovich Fokina managed to halt Denis Shapovalov’s run, who was in top form. Previously teetering on the brink of an R1 exit, Davidovich Fokina showcased exceptional grit by saving four match points against Mattia Bellucci. He then outperformed two more challengers to secure a spot in his third ATP final.
The semi-final match saw Davidovich Fokina pitted against Denis Shapovalov, the Canadian tennis prodigy in prime form. In an electrifying game that lasted two hours and 15 minutes, the Spaniard triumphed with scores of 7-6, 7-6, marking his second ATP final of the season. Shapovalov, who was vying for his second consecutive ATP 500 title, had several opportunities but unfortunately fell at critical junctures.
While Shapovalov was on the brink of clinching the first and the second set, he stumbled and lost in straight sets, crumbling in both tiebreaks. Such a turn of events offered Davidovich Fokina an opportunity to atone for his previous debacle at Delray Beach.
In terms of gameplay, Davidovich Fokina had the upper hand, claiming nine points more than Shapovalov. Showcasing a 70% serve rate, he outshined Shapovalov in both the first and second serves. Despite facing seven break points and experiencing four breaks, the Spaniard managed to keep his cool. Conversely, Shapovalov grappled with finding the first serve, playing against ten break points and denying six, ultimately squandering his chances and ending his run in the semi-finals.
Davidovich Fokina proved superior in controlling his strokes, registering 25 winners and 37 unforced errors against 80 unforced errors by both players. Despite Shapovalov’s slight edge in service winners and net play, he faltered from the baseline, where Davidovich Fokina led 65-50. The Canadian’s gameplay was marred by numerous forehand errors and six mini-breaks.
The match was a rollercoaster ride from the outset with Shapovalov saving break points in the third game and capitalizing on Davidovich Fokina’s loose backhand for a 3-1 lead. However, the Spaniard wasn’t quick to surrender, pulling back a break in the seventh game and staying in contention.
Despite breaking for a 5-3 lead and serving for the opener in the ninth game, Shapovalov made a costly mistake by sending a backhand long, thus reviving Davidovich Fokina’s hopes. The ensuing tiebreak saw Shapovalov make another forehand error, allowing Davidovich Fokina to seize control and wrap up the opener in 65 minutes.
The Spaniard maintained his momentum in the second set, breaking in the second game and forging a 3-0 lead. Despite missing another break chance at 4-1 and struggling on serve in the seventh game, Davidovich Fokina managed to keep his composure. He capitalized on Shapovalov’s backhand error and a volley mistake, securing a tiebreak and a crucial boost.
Consistently delivering stellar shots, Davidovich Fokina dominated the tiebreak, smashing a forehand down the line for a 4-0 lead and extending it with a service winner. His forehand crosscourt winner for 6-0 gave him six match points, of which he converted the second, propelling him to the title clash.
In a nutshell, the semi-final at the ATP 500 event in Acapulco was a true testament to Alejandro Davidovich Fokina’s tenacity and skill, as he managed to halt in-form Denis Shapovalov and secure a place in the final.