CHENGDU, September 28, 2026 (Media Release)
Second seed Alejandro Davidovich Fokina recovered from a set down to end qualifier Nikoloz Basilashvili’s impressive run at the Chengdu Open with a 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 victory in one hour and 59 minutes, advancing to his second ATP Tour final of the season.
Basilashvili made a flying start, breaking in the opening game before saving a break point in the next and protecting his advantage throughout the set. Davidovich Fokina responded with two breaks in the second set to the Georgian’s one, capitalising on several errors from Basilashvili towards the end of the set to force a decider.
The World No. 28 carried that momentum into the deciding set, establishing an early advantage with a break in the second game. He then saved all six break points he faced to preserve his lead and reach his seventh ATP Tour final, just three tournaments after capturing his maiden title in Mallorca in June and in his first event back following a two-month injury layoff.
Finalista 💥
After two months away @alexdavidovich1 defeats Basilashvili to reach the Chengdu final in his first tournament back#ChengduOpen pic.twitter.com/zS8JTTc77s
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) September 28, 2026
“I was a little tense and nervous in the first set, and I knew that I had to stay low and work hard to defend against such an aggressive player who hits the ball so flat,” said Davidovich Fokina. “I felt that he became a little tight towards the end of the second set, and in the third I had a lot of energy and performed very well. I knew I had to fight for every ball to win.”
“The first ball after my serve was the key today because he was returning very well and hitting the ball right at my feet,” he added. “I was also a little lucky with the net today, but that is part of the game.”
Fifth seed Hubert Hurkacz recovered from a set down to defeat seventh seed Denis Shapovalov 6-7(8), 6-3, 6-3 in two hours and 27 minutes, advancing to his first ATP Tour final of the season.
Neither player surrendered serve during a closely contested opening set, with both earning opportunities to claim the tie-break before Shapovalov eventually prevailed 10-8.
Hurkacz responded with a more assured display in the second set, breaking in the third and ninth games without facing a break point. The Pole then saved all three break points he faced in the decider and secured the crucial breakthrough in the sixth game before sealing the victory with his 14th ace of the match.
A first tour-level final of the season 🔥@HubertHurkacz defeats Shapovalov in a tight encounter to move into the final in Chengdu#ChengduOpen pic.twitter.com/Psu9qr3olF
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) September 28, 2026
“It was a great match against Denis, and I thought the level was very high, I’m really proud of my performance. It’s going to be a fun match tomorrow. Alex is a great player, and it will be a great challenge,” said the World No. 41, who will contest the 13th ATP Tour final of his career tomorrow and bid for his ninth title.
