Alejandro Davidovich Fokina delivered a stunning performance on Friday, knocking out top-seed Taylor Fritz in straight sets 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (7/5) to end the American’s quest for a third consecutive Delray Beach ATP title.
The world No. 60 Spaniard held his nerve in two tight tiebreakers, despite failing to serve out the match at 5-4 in the second set. Fritz, ranked fourth in the world, fought back to level the set but couldn’t sustain momentum in the decisive moments.
Davidovich Fokina converted all three of his break points and now faces fourth-seeded Matteo Arnaldi, who overcame Brandon Nakashima 7-6 (7/2), 6-4 in the quarterfinals.
Other Semi-Final Matchups:
- Alex Michelsen (3) vs. Miomir Kecmanovic (7)
- Michelsen battled past former champion Cameron Norrie 7-6 (7/3), 7-5, avenging a loss from last week’s Dallas Open.
- Kecmanovic staged a comeback to defeat second-seeded Marcos Giron 2-6, 6-4, 6-2.
With Fritz, Norrie, and Giron eliminated, the Delray Beach Open is now wide open as Davidovich Fokina aims for his first ATP title of the season.
