Alejandro DavIdovich Fokina, 22, says he sees Roger Federer as an inspiration and he would like to speak one day with the Swiss because he feels the former world No. 1 had a character similar to his when he was young.Â
Before Federer became one of the most calm and cool players on the tour, he was getting easily frustrated and irritated on the court.Â
Davidovich Fokina, who is also very passionate, hopes to emulate the Swiss in his demeanor and on-court success.Â
“Federer is the only player who inspires me. I would like to talk to him about the mental aspect one day. He had a character similar to mine when he was young, he broke everything, he got angry all the time. And one day, he turned a corner and started playing like the best,” Davidovich Fokina told Alize Lim on Tennis Majors.
Davidovich Fokina hopes Monte Carlo is just the beginning
This week, Davidovich Fokina claimed the biggest win of his career after he stunned world No. 1 Novak Djokovic 6-3 6-7 (5) 6-1.Â
“This win is so special for me because I grew up watching Nole and I’m a big fan of his,” said Davidovich Fokina in his on-court interview. “I look at him every tournament, every match. Here in Monte Carlo, full of people, against the No. 1, I enjoyed every moment and I’m so happy.”
After losing a tight second set, Davidovich Fokina kept his focus and dominated the third set.Â
“I started [well] from the beginning because I knew that Nole [hasn’t played] a lot,” Davidovich Fokina added. “Then I had to focus on every point because I had my chances from the beginning and I just did it.
“When he won the second set it was tough mentally, but I am working so hard to be more focussed. It doesn’t matter if I lost the second set or I lost the first set. I have to be prepared for the war.”
After beating Djokovic, Davidovich Fokina also defeated David Goffin and Taylor Fritz to reach the semifinal.