Davidovich Fokina Reaches Monte-Carlo Semifinals: "Last Year Helped Me Grow in Maturity and Improve as a Person"

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina is the first player to qualify for the semifinals of the Monte-Carlo Masters 1000.

Three years after competing in his only final in this tournament category in Monaco, the world No. 42—guaranteed to re-enter the top 30 after the tournament—defeated Ben Shelton, Tomas Martin Etcheverry, Jack Draper, and Alexei Popyrin (6-3, 6-2) to reach the final four.

He has secured 18 wins this season, already matching his total from last year, and shared his thoughts shortly after his victory over the Australian.

"What happened in the match against Draper (the Spaniard broke down in tears after his win), I’m aware that it can’t happen again.

I talked a lot with my team afterward and realized I didn’t want to carry that attitude throughout my sports career—that I needed to stop complaining, be much more professional, and not show my emotions so much.

Today, I was able to stay much more focused, remain calm, and maintain a good attitude on the court. Winning matches is crucial because it gives you the confidence you need to face these kinds of opponents.

Last year was tough for me, but it helped me grow in maturity and improve as a person. When you feel that way off the court, it’s much more likely you’ll perform well on it," he told *Punto De Break*.