Davidovich Fokina continues dream week with win over Fritz in Monte-Carlo

Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters | Draw | Order of play

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina of Spain continued a dream week as he beat in-form American Taylor Fritz 2-6, 6-4, 6-3 in Monte-Carlo on Friday to reach his first Masters 1000 semi-final.

The Spaniard, who took out world No 1 Novak Djokovic in the second round, recovered brilliantly after being outplayed in the first set and then proved the stronger man in the third as he booked his place in the last four, where he will take on Grigor Dimitrov, who edged out Hubert Hurkacz 4-6, 6-3, 7-6.

“I’m so, so, happy,” Davidovich Fokina said. “Last year I did quarter-finals and retired (against the eventual winner, Stefanos Tsitsipas). The emotions to be in the semi-finals are super high. I’m enjoying every game and just doing my job.”

World No 13 Fritz, who reached the finals in Indian Wells last month, began well but was having to fend off break points all the time to stay ahead.

Davidovich Fokina finally got the break at the eighth time of trying to lead 5-4 in the second and though he gave up an early lead in the third, he gathered himself to seal victory with a thumping forehand.

“In the first set I had a lot of chances to break his serve, I didn’t do it, but I knew I would have more chances to break,” he said. “I just said to myself, stay focused and believe in myself.”

And Davidovich Fokina admitted he’s livuing the dream, having taken out Djokovic earlier in the event.

“When you beat the No 1 in the third set…gives you a lot of confidence,” he said. “I push myself every game, playing harder and harder and harder.”

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