“I deserved it” – Spain’s No. 2 unhappy after Carlos Alcaraz, Nadal Academy student & two others lock him out of Davis Cup 1st team spot
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina’s Davis Cup Snub: “I Deserved It” – Spain’s No. 2 Furious After Alcaraz, Munar, and Others Lock Him Out
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, Spain’s No. 2 singles player and world No. 18, has taken a public swipe at Davis Cup captain David Ferrer after being omitted from the squad for the 2025 Finals in Bologna, claiming he “deserved to be there” despite his strong form. The 25-year-old, who reached three ATP finals this year including Monte Carlo and Washington, expressed his frustration in an interview with Marca, stating: “I’m 18 in the world. I think I deserved to be among the four best players in my country, with all due respect to my teammates.” The team, announced on October 20, 2025, features world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz, Jaume Munar (No. 37), Pedro Martínez (No. 43), and doubles specialist Marcel Granollers, sidelining Davidovich Fokina despite his contributions to Spain’s qualifiers and a career-high ranking. The snub, which leaves a fifth spot open, has ignited debate over selection criteria, with Davidovich Fokina respecting Ferrer’s call but hinting at a “fifth player” role as “not ideal.”
#### The Squad Announcement: Alcaraz Anchors Spain’s Davis Cup Bid
Ferrer, the former world No. 3 and 2011 Davis Cup hero, unveiled the Bologna lineup after Spain qualified through a 3-0 win over Denmark in September, replacing earlier withdrawals like Alcaraz (US Open fatigue) and Marcel Granollers (personal reasons). The team prioritizes Alcaraz’s star power for singles, Munar and Martínez’s reliability from qualifiers (both unbeaten in 2025 Davis Cup singles), and Granollers’ doubles expertise (world No. 1 pair with Horacio Zeballos). “This group has the experience and fire to go deep,” Ferrer said in a Real Federación Española de Tenis statement. “We’re building on our 2024 quarters run—Bologna’s our launchpad.”
Davidovich Fokina, Spain’s No. 2 after Alcaraz, was a logical pick given his 20-12 record this year and finals in Monte Carlo (lost to Alcaraz), Washington (lost to de Minaur), and Chengdu (lost to Sinner). His absence—despite No. 18 ranking and 1,200 points—has been called “puzzling” by ESPN’s José Morgado, who tweeted: “Davidovich Fokina snubbed? He’s Spain’s No. 2—Ferrer’s gamble or grudge?”
Davidovich Fokina’s Frustration: “I Deserved to Be There”
In his Marca interview, Davidovich Fokina didn’t hold back, acknowledging the “respect” for Ferrer’s decision but underscoring his credentials: “Being ranked 18th in the world, I think I deserved to be among the four best players in my country, with all due respect to my teammates, who, as I said, are also great players. Now, my goal is to focus on the rest of the season and prepare myself to reach the highest level next year.” He hinted at openness to a fifth spot but added: “I would have loved to be on the list and represent my country, but this time he has decided to count on other players.” The Málaga native, who passed on Davis Cup qualifiers in September for rest after the US Open fourth round, feels the omission stings amid his best year (three finals, No. 18 peak).
Davidovich Fokina’s 2025: 20-12 record, Monte Carlo SF (upset Casper Ruud), Washington final (vs. de Minaur), and Chengdu final (vs. Sinner). His 1,200 points place him No. 18, ahead of Munar (No. 37, 800 points) and Martínez (No. 43, 700 points). “I respect it, but it’s hard,” he told Marca, eyeing Basel (October 27-November 2) and Paris-Bercy for a top-16 year-end finish.
The Bigger Debate: Selection Criteria and Ferrer’s Choices
Ferrer’s squad favors “chemistry” from qualifiers—Munar and Martínez went 2-0 in September vs. Denmark, while Alcaraz’s star power (2025 AO, FO, Wimbledon titles) is non-negotiable. Granollers’ doubles pedigree (No. 1 pair with Zeballos) rounds it out, but snubbing Davidovich Fokina—Spain’s No. 2 and most consistent after Alcaraz—has raised eyebrows. “David’s form screams Davis Cup—he’s No. 18,” tweeted analyst José Morgado. Pietrangeli, the 1959 FO champ, defended Ferrer: “Tough call, but loyalty to qualifiers matters—David’s young, he’ll be back.”
Davidovich Fokina’s frustration echoes Sinner’s 2025 Davis Cup snub (“slap in the face” to Italy), but his “deserved it” plea highlights Spain’s depth: Alcaraz’s 67 wins, but no. 2’s omission feels like a gamble. As Bologna nears, the “fifth player” spot (to be named) could include him, but Davidovich Fokina’s “respect it” masks hurt—Spain’s Davis Cup dream? Fractured.
| Player | 2025 Record | Ranking | Davis Cup 2025 Status |
|——–|————-|———|———————–|
| Carlos Alcaraz | 67-7 | No. 1 | In (Singles Anchor) |
| Alejandro Davidovich Fokina | 20-12 | No. 18 | Out; “Deserved it” frustration |
| Jaume Munar | 22-15 | No. 37 | In (Qualifier Hero) |
| Pedro Martínez | 21-16 | No. 43 | In (Qualifier Hero) |
| Marcel Granollers | 18-12 (Doubles) | No. 1 Doubles | In (Doubles Specialist) |
Reactions: “Puzzling Snub” and Support for Davidovich Fokina
Social media buzzed under #DavisCupSpain: “Davidovich No. 18 snubbed? Ferrer’s lost it—Alcaraz alone can’t carry” (150k likes). Defenders: “Munar/Martínez earned it—loyalty over ranking.” Davidovich Fokina’s post: “Focus on Basel—Spain’s my heart, always.” As Bologna looms, the snub’s sting could fuel his fire—or fracture Spain’s unity. The finals beckon; the “deserved it” debate rages.
