Zverev stunned by Davidovich Fokina in Shanghai semi-finals

In the Shanghai Masters semi-finals, top seed Alexander Zverev was upset by Davidovich Fokina in a closely contested three-set match. The 27-year-old Fokina defeated the German by the score of 5-7, 6-4, 6-3 and will advance to face either Daniil Medvedev or Rafael Jodar in the final on Sunday. Fokina's impressive performance was marked by his relentless play, lightning-fast returns, and graceful drop shots, which stunned Zverev, who will finish the year as world number one.

Fokina acknowledged feeling nervous at the beginning of the match, but he persevered, fighting every ball until the end. Zverev, who is the French and US Open champion, admitted that fatigue had taken its toll on him, and he plans to take a break and monitor his fitness ahead of the upcoming tournament in Vienna, which begins on October 24.

The duo engaged in lengthy rallies in the first set, resulting in Davidovich Fokina earning a high-five from the world number two after an impressive lob. Despite Zverev's struggles with misjudged shots, he managed to avoid any break points in the first set, ultimately winning it with an ace. However, in the second set, Zverev appeared to be moving with some difficulty, and Davidovich Fokina capitalized on his growing pressure, winning the first break point in the fourth game.

Zverev managed to hold when the Spaniard hit the net, but Fokina's increasing momentum paid off, and he took the match into a deciding set. The German saved two match points, but the reprieve was short-lived.