Alejandro Davidovich secured his first career Masters 1000 title and made history as the first Spanish champion at the Shanghai Masters, rallying from a set down to defeat fellow countryman Rafael Jódar 1-6, 7-6(5), 6-4 on Sunday.
How Davidovich Overcame Jódar’s Early Dominance in Shanghai
Playing on the hard courts of the Qi Zhong Tennis Center in Shanghai, Jódar opened the final in commanding fashion. Backed by a potent serve and deep baseline groundstrokes that left his opponent scrambling, the 20-year-old Madrid native broke Davidovich twice in the first set to cruise to a 6-1 advantage. The performance mirrored the exceptional run Jódar put together all week in China, where he eliminated top-tier opponents including Casper Ruud and Daniil Medvedev.
Davidovich needed to find immediate answers as the second set began. The 27-year-old from Fuengirola raised his serving percentage and tightened his baseline defense. When Jódar secured a break in the fifth game, Davidovich struck back instantly with a break of his own to level the score. The intensity mounted through endless baseline exchanges until the set reached a tie-break. In the crucial eleventh point of the tie-break, Jódar dropped his serve, allowing Davidovich to clinch the set 7-5 after one hour and 14 minutes of play.
Physical Fatigue and the Deciding Third Set
The cumulative toll of 74 matches played during the season caught up with Jódar in the final set. Having navigated multiple demanding three-set encounters and dramatic comebacks throughout the week, the Spaniard required treatment from the tournament physiotherapist for muscle cramps as movement slowed.
It all comes down to this ⚔️Alejandro Davidovich Fokina faces off against Rafael Jodar for the Shanghai title!#RolexShanghaiMasters pic.twitter.com/jTuFmKoXZ9
Davidovich capitalized on the physical shift by breaking in the opening game of the decider. Maintaining pressure with disciplined serving and precise court coverage, the world No. 13 fended off any chance of a late-match resurgence. He sealed the third set 6-4 to complete the comeback in two hours and 27 minutes.
A Milestone Victory for the Spanish Veteran
The triumph in Shanghai marks the third title of the 2026 season for Davidovich, who previously triumphed at the Mallorca Championships and Chengdu, bouncing back strongly after a back injury sidelined him during the North American hard-court swing. His ranking rises to thirteenth, the highest position of his professional career. Following the championship point, Davidovich inscribed “Apertura española, Cambio de Tercio” on the television camera lens, nodding to the Spanish restaurant that served players throughout the tournament.
For Jódar, the defeat concludes a stellar breakthrough week in his first season as a professional. Although a spot in the top 10 must wait as he turns his attention toward upcoming events in Basel and Paris in pursuit of qualification for the ATP Finals in Turin, the finalist proved he belongs among the elite competitors on the ATP Tour.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Shanghai Masters Final
What was the final score of the Shanghai Masters final between Alejandro Davidovich and Rafael Jódar?
Alejandro Davidovich defeated Rafael Jódar 1-6, 7-6(5), 6-4 in a match lasting two hours and 27 minutes.
How does this victory affect Alejandro Davidovich’s ranking and title record?
The victory is Davidovich’s first career Masters 1000 title and his third tournament win of 2026, elevating him to a career-high ranking of thirteenth.
What are Rafael Jódar’s upcoming tournament plans after his run in China?
Jódar will continue his season at tournaments in Basel and Paris as he fights to secure a place in the ATP Finals in Turin.
