Alex De Minaur starred in an epic comeback in the DC Open final, defeating Alejandro Davidovich Fokina with scores of 5-7, 6-1, 7-6 (3). De Minaur, after losing the first set, showed his composure by saving three championship points and securing the victory.
The Australian tennis player, seventh seed, added his tenth ATP title, the eighth on hard courts. In 2018, De Minaur was runner-up in Washington, and this victory will allow him to rise to the top 10 in the world ranking before the US Open.
Davidovich Fokina, seeded number 12, suffered his fourth defeat in finals. Despite leading 5-2 in the third set and having multiple opportunities to close out the match, he failed to capitalize on his advantage.
The Spaniard, who started the week in 26th place, will debut in the top 20 on Monday, and remains the highest-ranked player without a title.
After the match, De Minaur approached Davidovich Fokina to console him. I want to congratulate Alex. He deserved the victory. He fought for every single ball. He always pushed me to the limit. Davidovich Fokina recalled that he needed a wildcard to play in the US capital last year, and was pleased to secure at least a rise to the number 19 position of his career.Alejandro, you’re too good not to have one of these, it’ll surely come. You deserved it today, I was just lucky. You’re a great competitor, a great player. Nobody on the circuit wants to play against you.
Alex De Minaur
We had a job to do before the year started, to be in the top 20 by mid-year. We did it this week, but not with the trophy. But surely, we will move forward, surpassing our limits, striving harder.
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina
