Oct 19 (Reuters) – Alejandro Davidovich Fokina waited seven years for an ATP Tour title then three came along at once.
The Spaniard, who made his tour debut in April 2019, captured the Shanghai Masters title with a 1-6 7-6(5) 6-4 win over compatriot Rafael Jodar on Sunday, earning him a third career trophy after his wins in Chengdu last month and Mallorca in June.
“I cannot describe with words what I achieved in this Chinese swing,” Davidovich Fokina, who lost his first five ATP finals, told a press conference.
“I never thought I would have two titles after two months out. But I’m really, really happy. I think my team (were) pushing me. It was difficult when I was at home, and they were pushing me very hard.
“They knew that I can achieve these kind of things. So I am very grateful (for) what they have done, because they were believing in me.”
The 27-year-old, whose win in Chengdu came in his first tournament back after a two-month layoff due to a back injury, has risen from number 26 in the world rankings to a career-high 13.
(Reporting by Aadi Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter Rutherford)
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