Alejandro Davidovich Fokina is one of the most sought-after players at the Mutua Madrid Open, where he finds himself in fine fettle. The Malaga native, one of the biggest names of the first half of 2025, can feel the warmth of the fans with every step he takes through the Caja Magica. It is a connection he hopes to capitalise on to set himself apart on the clay. Charisma is highly valued in the Spanish capital and few are better equipped to provide it than the Andalusian.
“I’m really excited to be here,” explained Davidovich Fokina on Tuesday, the day before the start of a main draw that promises to be a thriller. “I want to enjoy every match. Everyone is playing really well. The conditions are a bit different to what I’m used to playing in all year. We’ll see how this week goes in practice”.
In his sixth foray into the main draw here, Davidovich Fokina will start out as one of the most experienced players at this year’s tournament. The Malaga native, whose best participation in Madrid came in 2023, when he reached the last sixteen, will be hoping to make the most of his connection with the fans to break new ground in the Caja Magica.
“Now I feel more relaxed at home tournaments”, admitted the Spaniard. “When I started playing tournaments like Madrid and Barcelona, at the start of my career, I felt more nervous. I think as the years go by you realise that you have to manage the pressure. You also have to realise that the fans, throughout the two weeks we play at home all year, are completely behind you. That should also give you more motivation to give a little extra”.
That desire to push himself has been a constant factor in 2025. After renewing his team at the end of last season, adding Félix Mantilla and David Sánchez as coaches, Davidovich has had a stellar start to the season. The Andalusian has climbed from No. 61 to No. 29 in the world in the first five months of the year, reaching two ATP Tour finals and performing impressively on clay, including a Masters 1000 semifinal a couple of weeks ago in Monte Carlo.
“We’re trying to stay attentive at all times”, he revealed. “Playing without thinking and hitting the ball without purpose might work about one in ten times. What we’re trying to do is hit every ball right and think about every shot. Sometimes in tennis you don’t think and you’re on autopilot. When you stop and think about where to go, that’s what makes the difference”, explained the in-form Spaniard.
“I feel good. I couldn’t tell you if this is my maximum level, because there are things I can improve on. Last year I had a radical change in my life. I got out of my comfort zone and that helped me become stronger mentally. That’s what has allowed me to be in the latter rounds every week. I’m very happy with the change, these processes take time. It took me six months of not being able to win a match, but I have confidence from a good preseason and I couldn’t wait to play this year”.
One of the Spanish Armada’s biggest talents is in Madrid, and he can expect to enjoy some passionate support from the home fans.
