Davidovich Fokina ends Zverev's Shanghai run after De Minaur victory

Alexander Zverev's Shanghai campaign moved into the semifinals with a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Alex De Minaur on October 15. L'Équipe described a commanding performance against an Australian opponent who had been in strong recent form.

The result brought another disappointing meeting with Zverev for De Minaur. Telegraaf reported that the defeat established an unwanted record, although the supplied coverage does not specify its details.

On October 15, Zverev won both quarterfinal sets by the same margin. ABC Australia reported that he said he felt good on court after the victory.

The coverage differed on his ranking status. ABC Australia described Zverev as already world number one, while CNN Brasil described his move to the top as imminent.

On October 17, Zverev took the opening set of his semifinal against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 7-5. The Spaniard responded by winning the next two sets 6-4 and 6-3, according to L'Équipe.

The comeback eliminated the tournament's top seed. Al Jazeera identified Davidovich Fokina as ranked 26th, while CNN Brasil reported that this was only his second victory over Zverev.

Zverev is out of Shanghai, and Davidovich Fokina has reached his second Masters 1000 final, according to L'Équipe. What began as a convincing quarterfinal win for Zverev ended with a three-set semifinal defeat two days later.

The loss does not prevent Zverev from reaching the top ranking. DIE WELT reported on October 17 that he was already assured of becoming world number one for the first time.

Davidovich Fokina will play either Daniil Medvedev or Rafael Jodar in the final, according to Al Jazeera. The supplied coverage does not yet identify which player will face him.