There has been an odd dynamic throughout this week involving Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.
After all, whilst he just kept on winning, it felt like there was an element of bitterness to each new triumph, indirectly aimed at David Ferrer.
He targeted the Davis Cup captain with some rather public appeals, routinely questioning his exclusion from this international competition given his stature within the sport.
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina is a regular top 20 player, and before this week had already claimed two ATP Tour-level titles this year. He felt a primary spot on the team had already been earned.
Tell us the five names you think will qualify for the ATP Finals and why 👇
There’s not many tournaments left to play…
Well, if he’s taken anything from such a run in Shanghai, it’s that Ferrer can ignore him no longer.
The 27-year-old has surely won this cold war.
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina must play for Spain at the Davis Cup
There is no way that Davidovich Fokina cannot now play for Spain at the Davis Cup, which will compete in the finals at the end of November.
They will feel mightily confident of threatening for the title, especially with Carlos Alcaraz now back fit.
However, it is that second singles spot that feels very much up for grabs, with Davidovich Fokina in direct competition with his fellow Shanghai Masters finalist, Rafael Jodar.
To have beaten him in such an impressive fashion will surely have made his mark on Ferrer, even if the two have not seen eye to eye of late.
If he were not to secure that starring role, it’s the final place in the team that has been debated, with Jaume Munar and Daniel Merida both vying with Davidovich Fokina. Surely now there is no debate to be had.
What messages did Alejandro Davidovich Fokina send to David Ferrer?
Davidovich Fokina was not subtle with his messages to Ferrer throughout his Shanghai Masters campaign.
Writing on the camera after one win, he scribbled in Spanish: “I’m here”. Then, another time, he wrote: “I’m waiting…”.
Discussing these rather pointed statements from the 27-year-old, Ferrer has recently responded: “I don’t take it personally. He is having a very good end to the season and has a great chance of being selected.
“If his messages were meant for me, you’ll have to ask him.
“I wrote to him when he won in Chengdu, and I’m also in touch with his coach. Whatever happens, my selection criteria are purely sporting.”
