With Spanish duo Davidovich Fokina and Jódar both reaching the last four, the possibility of an all-Spanish championship match has added extra intrigue to the ATP Masters 1000 tournament. However, Zverev and Medvedev enter their respective encounters with strong credentials and ambitions of their own.
According to Flashscore’s preview, the two matches offer contrasting challenges: Zverev must maintain his improved form against a resurgent Davidovich Fokina, while Medvedev faces one of the season’s most exciting young players in Jódar.
Zverev faces Davidovich Fokina in first semi-final
World No. 2 Zverev enters his semi-final against Davidovich Fokina after producing one of his strongest performances of the tournament, defeating Australia’s Alex de Minaur 6-4, 6-4 in the quarter-finals.
The German’s victory was particularly significant after some inconsistent performances in the earlier rounds. He will now look to build on that momentum as he pursues another Masters 1000 final.
Zverev has also enjoyed considerable success at this level, having won seven Masters 1000 titles. Shanghai represents an opportunity to add another trophy to his collection and end his wait for a Masters title since Paris in 2024.
Davidovich Fokina, meanwhile, has enjoyed an impressive Asian swing and arrives in the semi-finals after a difficult quarter-final against Arthur Gea ended prematurely because of the Frenchman’s injury retirement.
The Spaniard was leading 4-1 in the opening set when Gea withdrew, giving Davidovich Fokina valuable recovery time ahead of his meeting with Zverev.
Head-to-head favours the German
Zverev holds a 6-1 advantage in their previous meetings, a record that makes him the favourite on paper.
Davidovich Fokina will nevertheless take confidence from his recent form, having demonstrated an improved ability to win tight matches and build momentum during the Asian swing.
The Spaniard will need to serve effectively, withstand Zverev’s power from the baseline and take advantage of any opportunities that arise if he is to reach his first Shanghai final.
Jódar faces major test against Medvedev
The second semi-final pits 20-year-old Spaniard Jódar against former world No. 1 Medvedev, who enters the encounter after defeating American Tommy Paul 6-3, 1-6, 6-3.
Medvedev, the 2019 Shanghai champion, demonstrated his resilience by recovering after losing the second set. He struck 16 aces and 31 winners during the contest to secure his place in the last four.
The Russian’s experience at the highest level could prove crucial against Jódar, who is making his Shanghai debut and has emerged as one of the tournament’s standout stories.
Jódar continues remarkable breakthrough season
Jódar booked his semi-final place with a 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 comeback victory over Norway’s Casper Ruud.
The Spaniard has now won four consecutive matches from a set down in Shanghai, underlining his fighting spirit and ability to respond under pressure.
His victory over Ruud also made him the youngest semi-finalist in the tournament’s history at 20 years old. His rapid rise during 2026 has strengthened his ambitions of qualifying for the ATP Finals in Turin.
Jódar will face a difficult challenge against Medvedev, whose hard-court experience and previous success in Shanghai make him a formidable opponent.
The pair have never met on the ATP Tour, adding another layer of uncertainty to the encounter.
Medvedev’s experience meets Jódar’s ambition
Medvedev’s recent performances have strengthened his position in the race for the season-ending ATP Finals. His title in Hangzhou and subsequent run in Shanghai have demonstrated his ability to produce strong results during the Asian swing.
However, Jódar’s aggressive game and determination to fight back from difficult positions could make the semi-final competitive.
The Spaniard will need to maintain his high level while managing the physical demands of another demanding match. Medvedev, meanwhile, will aim to use his serving strength and baseline consistency to prevent Jódar from dictating the rallies.
All-Spanish final remains possible
With both Spanish players through to the semi-finals, the prospect of an all-Spanish Shanghai Masters final remains alive.
Davidovich Fokina must first overcome Zverev’s powerful and consistent game, while Jódar faces the considerable challenge of beating a former champion in Medvedev.
The semi-finals promise two compelling contests, with experience and ranking on one side and Spanish momentum on the other.
For Zverev and Medvedev, victory would bring them one step closer to the Shanghai title. For Davidovich Fokina and Jódar, it would keep alive the possibility of an all-Spanish final at one of the ATP Tour’s most prestigious events.
Shanghai Masters semi-final schedule
• Alexander Zverev vs Alejandro Davidovich Fokina: Saturday, 17 October 2026, scheduled for 10:30 CEST.
• Rafael Jódar vs Daniil Medvedev: Saturday, 17 October 2026, scheduled for 13:00 CEST.
Tournament: Rolex Shanghai Masters 2026
Venue: Shanghai, China
Stage: Men’s singles semi-finals
The stage is set for a decisive day in Shanghai, with four players chasing a place in the final and the Spanish pair hoping to make history together.