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Key Points

Alex de Minaur staged an incredible comeback to win the Washington Open, saving three championship points against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. The Aussie drew on his 2018 experience at this tournament where he famously saved match points against Rublev. Fokina's search for his maiden ATP title continues after heartbreaking losses in three finals this year. De Minaur praised his opponent's fighting spirit while celebrating his own 10th career title.

Key Points: Alex de Minaur Wins Washington Open Title After Epic Fokina Battle

  • De Minaur saved 3 championship points in dramatic final set tiebreak
  • Aussie improves to 3-2 in head-to-head against Fokina
  • Fokina remains winless in ATP finals after 3 attempts
  • Victory marks de Minaur's first Washington title since 2018 runner-up finish
2 min read

Washington Open: De Minaur secures 10th tour-level title, beats Fokina

De Minaur saves 3 championship points to claim his 10th ATP title, defeating Davidovich Fokina in a thrilling Washington Open final.

"I just backed myself... if I lost this match, it was going to be on my terms - Alex de Minaur"

Washington, July 28

Alex de Minaur defeated Alejandro Davidovich Fokina to secure his 10th tour-level title in the early hours of Monday.

De Minaur, currently the world number eight, beat Fokina 5-7, 6-1, 7-6(3), with the Aussie saving three championship points in the final set. He was inches away from a loss, but a desperate lob that clipped the sideline turned the tables for the better and came out victorious.

Speaking about the win as quoted by ATP's official website, he said, "It is something about this court. I did it in 2018 against Rublev, and honestly, I just kind of knew I could do it."

Back in 2018, at 19, during the same tournament, de Minaur saved four match points against Rublev, but lost to Alexander Zverev in the title clash.

"I just backed myself, and I told myself to commit no matter what and if I lost this match, it was going to be on my terms. Today it went my way. I have had a couple of brutal ones not go my way, so I am glad this one went my way," he added.

For Fokina, it was a massive loss as he was aiming for his maiden ATP Tour title and missed out on two championship points this February at Delray Beach against Miomir Kecmanovic and lost the Acapulco final to Tomas Machac in March.

Speaking to his opponent and acknowledging his fine run, De Minaur said, "You are way too good not to have one of these [trophies]. It is coming for sure. You deserved it today. I just got lucky. You are a hell of a competitor, a hell of a player. No one on the Tour wants to play you. This is not the end, this is only going up for you."

With this win, De Minaur's head-to-head record against Fokina improves to three wins and two losses, with their first meeting back in 2019 during the Next Gen ATP Finals.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Heartbreaking for Fokina but kudos to De Minaur for that incredible comeback! The way he acknowledged Fokina's talent in the post-match interview shows great sportsmanship. More players should be this gracious in victory.
R
Rohit P
While the match was exciting, I think the article focuses too much on De Minaur. Fokina's journey and struggles deserve equal attention. He's been so close to winning multiple times now - that must be mentally tough!
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Shreya B
De Minaur's confidence is inspiring! "If I lost this match, it was going to be on my terms" - what a powerful mindset. Indian athletes should learn from this never-give-up attitude. Our cricket team could use some of this in pressure situations! 😅
V
Vikram M
The match timing was terrible for Indian viewers - 3 AM IST! Wish ATP would consider Asian timezones more. Nevertheless, caught the highlights and what a match! That lob at the end was pure magic ✨
K
Kavya N
As someone who follows tennis closely, I think Fokina needs better mental conditioning. Losing so many finals must be affecting him. Maybe he should work with a sports psychologist like our own Sania Mirza did during her career.

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