Alejandro Davidovich Fokina is a Masters 1000 champion, having just come from behind to beat Rafael Jodar in Shanghai.
In what was already a historic all-Spanish final showdown, both players put on a show in front of a capacity crowd that included the legendary Roger Federer.
Even he would have been proud of some of the shot-making from the 20-year-old, who raced into a one-set lead by a 6-1 margin.
And, when the second set went to a tiebreak, it felt like anyone’s game.
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina held his nerve and went on to claim the biggest title of his career by some distance.
He then spoke whilst still on court, in what was a great interview, shown by Sky Sports.
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina speaks after winning the Shanghai Masters title
The 27-year-old was speechless to begin with, noting: “I don’t have any words right now. I don’t know what to say. I don’t know how I feel.”
He quickly found the words though, adding: “Just like a huge relief, you know. After the first set, you know, I just kept trying, kept pushing, like every match in the tournament. I believed in myself again to try to play all the balls, you know.
“He was playing huge tennis. And yeah, in the third set, I knew that maybe I can have a little bit more fitness, physically, you know. But he’s an amazing player and it was very tough to play against him today.”
The story behind Davidovich Fokina’s success this season is a great one, having missed a long stretch of the year due to injury.
He then actually thanked Arthur Fils for his inspiration, helping him believe that moments like this were possible: “Well, of course, I’m very grateful with the team I have. They have supported me every day since many years. And, of course, this year, you know, that was a tough one. Not only two months out, I skipped a couple more tournaments this year with injuries. So, it was not an easy one.
“So, I’m very thankful to the team. I cannot describe with words how thankful I am with them.
“And, you know, I remember now when Arthur Fils, he’s a very good friend of mine and he skipped a lot of tournaments this year. And he came back stronger, winning all the matches. So, that gave me a lot of power. If he can do it, I can do it too.”
Jodar has been in hot water this week for his treatment of one ball kid at the Shanghai Masters, forced to apologise for his conduct.
However, despite this unsavoury moment, this will remain a week to remember for the young Spaniard, who is getting closer and closer to tasting such elite silverware.
The future of tennis is in safe hands with Rafael Jodar around.