Alejandro Davidovich Fokina powers into Monte Carlo Masters semi-finals

Unseeded Spaniard continues stunning run with dominant win over Alexei Popyrin.

Alejandro Davidovich of Spain hits a forehand during his men's singles quarterfinal match against Alexei Popyrin of Australia on day six of the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters at Monte-Carlo Country Club on April 11, 2025, in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. Photo by Mateo Villalba/Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina powers into Monte Carlo Masters semi-finals after delivering a commanding performance against Australia’s Alexei Popyrin on Friday. The unseeded Spaniard, currently ranked 42nd in the world, displayed both patience and firepower as he dispatched Popyrin 6-3, 6-2 in just over 80 minutes on the red clay of Monaco.

This result marks yet another impressive milestone in Davidovich Fokina’s 2025 campaign. Having already knocked out British fifth seed Jack Draper in the previous round, the 25-year-old Spaniard is now just one win away from his second career ATP Masters 1000 final. He previously reached the Monte Carlo final in 2022, where he finished as runner-up to Stefanos Tsitsipas.

Though Popyrin attempted to mount resistance, especially in the early stages of the match, he struggled to keep pace with Davidovich Fokina’s relentless baseline pressure and well-timed drop shots. After fending off three break points in a marathon sixth game to level the first set at 3-3, the Australian couldn’t withstand the growing momentum of his opponent. Two games later, Davidovich Fokina earned the break and confidently served out the set.

With the first set in his pocket, Davidovich Fokina didn’t let up. He reeled off the next four games in a row, extending his run of consecutive games won to seven. Popyrin, visibly frustrated, struggled with unforced errors, particularly on the backhand side. The Spaniard pounced on every short ball, moving effortlessly across the court and finishing points at the net when needed.

Popyrin managed to hold serve at 4-1 to slow the bleeding, but the damage was already done. Davidovich Fokina remained composed and closed out the match on his second match point, as Popyrin sent a backhand sailing long.

Speaking after the match, Davidovich Fokina credited his mental strength and tactical adjustments for the win.

“I feel really good on this court,” he said. “I know I have experience here, and I think I’m playing smarter this time. I’m not rushing. I wait for my moment to attack.”

Now, Alejandro Davidovich Fokina powers into the Monte Carlo Masters semi-finals with growing confidence, awaiting the outcome of a high-stakes quarter-final between fellow Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz and France’s rising star Arthur Fils. Either opponent will pose a fresh set of challenges, but Davidovich Fokina has proven he is ready for top-tier competition.

A semi-final meeting with Alcaraz would be particularly tantalizing. The two Spaniards have shared training sessions and know each other's games well, though they have never met in a Masters semi-final before. A battle of youth, speed, and shot-making brilliance would make for an unforgettable showdown.

Meanwhile, Fils would bring his own dynamic energy and crowd support into a potential clash. The 19-year-old Frenchman has made huge strides in the past year and is seen as one of the brightest young talents on tour.

This latest run in Monte Carlo also bodes well for Davidovich Fokina’s ATP ranking. Once inside the world’s top 30, injuries and inconsistency had seen him fall slightly off the radar. But with back-to-back wins over top 20 opponents and a semi-final appearance now secured, he’s on track to break back into the elite.

More importantly, he’s rediscovering the confidence and court presence that made him one of the most exciting players to watch just a few seasons ago.

His coach, Jorge Aguirre, praised his player’s development, particularly his ability to stay composed under pressure.

“Alejandro has matured a lot,” Aguirre told reporters. “Before, if he missed a shot or made a bad decision, it could impact the next few games. Now, he resets quickly. That’s the biggest difference in his game.”

A growing fan favorite

In addition to his tennis, Davidovich Fokina’s colorful personality and flair have made him a crowd favorite. Known for his fist pumps, creative shot selection, and expressive on-court energy, he brings a unique charisma to every match. At Monte Carlo, fans have embraced him warmly, especially after his upset win over Draper.

Social media has also buzzed with support, as tennis fans appreciate his gritty rise through the draw and his underdog spirit.

As Saturday’s semi-final approaches, there’s a sense that Davidovich Fokina may be on the verge of something special — perhaps even claiming his first Masters 1000 title. While Alcaraz and others may dominate the headlines, the unseeded Spaniard is quietly building a case as the tournament’s dark horse.

If Alejandro Davidovich Fokina powers into the Monte Carlo Masters semi-finals with this kind of form, the final is within reach. Whether it’s his powerful forehand, improved court coverage, or smarter shot selection, everything seems to be clicking at the right time.

Regardless of the outcome, this week has reignited belief — not just in Davidovich Fokina’s team but among fans and analysts who may have underestimated him. From runner-up in 2022 to potential champion in 2025, his journey in Monte Carlo is far from over.

With one eye on the trophy and the other on his next opponent, Davidovich Fokina will walk into Saturday’s semi-final knowing he has nothing to lose — and everything to gain.

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina powers into Monte Carlo Masters semi-finals with poise, passion, and purpose. As the tournament’s most unexpected contender, he’s writing a new chapter in his career — one filled with resilience, growth, and the dream of lifting his first major title. Whether he faces Alcaraz or Fils next, one thing is clear: Davidovich Fokina is ready for the spotlight.