What Alexander Zverev said to Alejandro Davidovich Fokina at the net after knocking him out of the Madrid Open
Alexander Zverev has advanced to the last 16 of the Madrid Open after a dramatic win over Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. The German overcame a tough challenge, prevailing 2-6, 7-6(3), 7-6(0) after two hours and 44 minutes in a match filled with tension — and even boos from the Madrid crowd.
Zverev, the tournament’s top seed and world No. 2, continues his impressive clay-court season following his BMW Open title win on home soil. Now 28 years old, Zverev has dispatched two Spanish opponents — Roberto Bautista Agut and Davidovich Fokina — on his way to the fourth round.
Kind Words at the Net
Despite the heated atmosphere, Zverev showed great sportsmanship at the end of the match. According to Tennis TV, he embraced Davidovich Fokina at the net and offered an encouraging message:
“Keep your head up. Big things are coming for you. You’re playing the best tennis of your life.”
The heartfelt gesture was captured and widely shared on social media, earning praise from fans.
Zverev Reaches New Milestone in Madrid
Davidovich Fokina, currently ranked 29th in the ATP Tour rankings, has had a strong season, reaching the finals at both the Delray Beach Open and the Mexican Open earlier this year.
Meanwhile, Zverev continues to thrive in Madrid, having now won 25 of his first 30 matches at the tournament. According to OptaAce, only Roger Federer (26 wins) has a better record at that stage, while Zverev has now surpassed Rafael Nadal (24 wins), and also sits ahead of Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray (23 wins each).
Zverev is eyeing a third Madrid Open title, having previously lifted the trophy in 2018 (defeating Dominic Thiem) and 2021 (defeating Matteo Berrettini).
