INDIAN WELLS, CALIFORNIA – March 9, 2026 – Jakub Menšík’s impressive run at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells came to an conclude on Friday, falling to Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in a three-set match, 2-6, 6-4, 2-6. The 20-year-old Czech player, who reached the third round of a Masters 1000 tournament for the first time, struggled against his Spanish opponent, a matchup that has consistently proven difficult for Menšík.
Davidovich Fokina Defeats Menšík 6-2, 4-6, 6-2
The head-to-head record between Menšík and Davidovich Fokina has been decidedly one-sided. Prior to this match, Davidovich Fokina had won four of their five previous encounters, including a heartbreaking loss for Menšík at the 2025 Australian Open where he held match points. Friday’s result extended Davidovich Fokina’s dominance to 5-1 in the series.
The opening set was a clear indication of the challenges Menšík would face. He was unable to create a single break point opportunity, and Davidovich Fokina secured the first break in the third game. The Spaniard consolidated the break and continued to apply pressure, ultimately taking the set 6-2.
Midway through the first set, with the score 5-2 in favor of Davidovich Fokina, Menšík received medical attention, appearing unwell. However, the interruption didn’t immediately shift the momentum. Davidovich Fokina closed out the set comfortably.
Medical time out for Jakub Mensik
Medication only so far, unwell ?
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina to serve next at 5-2 up in set 1 pic.twitter.com/QsUofOHZ1C — edgeAI (@edgeAIapp) March 8, 2026
Menšík took a lengthy bathroom break after the first set, exceeding the allotted time limit. Despite the extended rest, he continued to struggle finding opportunities on his opponent’s serve. Davidovich Fokina secured another break in the seventh game of the second set, capitalizing on a double fault from Menšík.
However, Menšík demonstrated resilience, earning his first break point of the match in the eighth game. He converted the opportunity after an error from Davidovich Fokina, leveling the set at 4-4. This sparked a remarkable turnaround for the Czech player, who then broke Davidovich Fokina’s serve again to take a 5-4 lead. He closed out the set with a stunning backhand passing shot, forcing a decisive third set.
The momentum quickly shifted back in Davidovich Fokina’s favor at the start of the third set. Menšík lost his serve to love in the opening game. Even as Davidovich Fokina faced break points of his own, he managed to hold serve and extend his lead to 2-0.
Menšík appeared hampered by a physical issue in the following game, nearly conceding another break. Despite saving multiple break points, Davidovich Fokina eventually broke through two games later, establishing a commanding lead that he maintained until the end of the match.
Czech Men’s Singles Campaign Ends in California
This year’s Indian Wells tournament marked Menšík’s third appearance, and his best result to date. His victory over Marcos Giron in the previous round allowed him to surpass his previous personal best at the event. However, the loss to Davidovich Fokina prevents him from building on that momentum heading into the Miami Open, where he will be defending points from a strong start to the season.
Menšík’s impressive form at the beginning of 2026 includes a second career title in Auckland, an eighth-final appearance at the Australian Open, a win over Jannik Sinner in Doha, and a quarterfinal run in Dubai. Despite the setback in Indian Wells, he remains one of the most promising young players on the ATP Tour.
Davidovich Fokina, meanwhile, has reached the fourth round in Indian Wells, having previously reached the quarterfinal stage in 2023. He will next face Learner Tien in the round of 16, in a match that will be without Czech representation.
You can find the full results from the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Indian Wells here.
Davidovich Fokina’s next challenge will be a tough test against Tien. Menšík will now turn his attention to the Miami Open, beginning March 24th, where he’ll look to regain his early-season form.
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