Alex De Minaur starred in an epic comeback in the DC Open final, defeating Alejandro Davidovich Fokina with a score of 5-7, 6-1, 7-6 (3). The Australian tennis player, after losing the first set, showed his composure by saving three championship points to secure the victory.
De Minaur, the tournament’s seventh seed, added his tenth ATP title and the eighth on hard courts. In 2018, he had been runner-up in Washington, and with this victory, he will rise to the top 10 in the world ranking before the US Open.
Davidovich Fokina, seeded number 12, could not capitalize on his opportunity, falling to 0-4 in finals throughout his career. Despite leading the third set 5-2 and having multiple match points, the Spaniard failed to close out the match. This is the second time this year that Davidovich Fokina has squandered several championship opportunities in a final.
The 26-year-old player, who started the week in 26th place, will debut in the top 20 on Monday, maintaining his position as the highest-ranked tennis player without titles.
After the match, De Minaur approached Davidovich Fokina to console him for the tough defeat.Alejandro, you are too good not to have one of these, surely it will arrive. You deserved it today, I was just lucky. You are a great competitor, a great player. Nobody on the circuit wants to play against you.
Alex De Minaur
Davidovich Fokina recalled that he needed an invitation to participate in the American capital last year and expressed his satisfaction at securing at least a rise to number 19, the highest of his career.I want to congratulate Alex. He deserved the victory. He was fighting for every damn ball. He was always pushing me to the limit.
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina
I had a task to do before the year started, to be in the top 20 by mid-year. We did it this week, although not with the trophy. But surely we will move forward, surpassing our limits, striving more.
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina
