Medvedev Faces Uphill Battle Against In-Form Davidovich Fokina at China Open

On Sunday, September 28, 2025, former World No. 1 Daniil Medvedev will face Spain's Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the China Open. Medvedev, the 2023 runner-up, has been in poor form of late, having won back-to-back matches at only two of his last nine tournament appearances on the ATP Tour. More concerningly, the Russian wasted a set and a break lead against China's Yibing Wu to lose in the second round of last week's Hangzhou Open.

In contrast, Davidovich Fokina is currently in the midst of arguably his career-best ATP season. Although the 26-year-old has been unlucky to falter in three singles finals in 2025 (Washington, Acapulco, and Delray Beach), he remains one of the floaters that any top-ranked player would want to avoid in their draw. Davidovich Fokina is also well-rested, having last played on Thursday in a convincing 6-1, 6-3 win over Argentina's Camilo Ugo Carabelli.

Medvedev leads Davidovich Fokina 4-1 in their head-to-head meetings on the ATP Tour, but the Spaniard secured the lone victory of their rivalry at last year's Montreal Masters. With the medium-paced and lower-bouncing conditions at the China Open likely to suit Medvedev's game, the Russian will be the favorite to advance to the quarterfinals. However, Davidovich Fokina's speed and topspin shots could pose a significant challenge for the former World No. 1.