Serb Kecmanovic Rallies from Two Match Points Down to Claim Delray Beach Title
Delray Beach, Florida, USA – February 5, 2023 – Serbian Miomir Kecmanovic overcame two match points to emerge victorious at the Delray Beach Open on Sunday, defeating Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 3-6, 6-1, 7-5.
Trailing 5-2 in the deciding set, Kecmanovic, who was a finalist at Delray Beach in 2023, found himself down 15-40 but managed to stave off both match points. He first benefited from a wide forehand by Davidovich and then executed a successful volley with the help of the net. Kecmanovic proceeded to reel off five consecutive games, securing his second ATP 250 title at the age of 25, following his triumph in Kitzbühel, Austria, in September 2020.
The 56th-ranked Kecmanovic, who had previously prevailed in his first two meetings against Davidovich, faltered in the opening set, getting broken at 4-2, before seizing the second set with a double break. The 25-year-old Davidovich, ranked 60th in the world, was seeking his maiden ATP title after falling in his only previous final at the Monte-Carlo Masters 1000 in 2022 to Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas. En route to the final, Davidovich knocked out top seed Taylor Fritz in the quarterfinals, as the American attempted to claim the Florida tournament for the third consecutive time.
Match Summary
Kecmanovic and Davidovich engaged in a fiercely contested battle, with both players showcasing their athleticism and determination. Kecmanovic’s ability to retrieve Davidovich’s aggressive shots and his impressive defense proved crucial in the match’s outcome.
The first set belonged to Davidovich, who broke Kecmanovic’s serve in the sixth game and held firm to take the set 6-3. Kecmanovic responded with a dominant display in the second set, breaking Davidovich twice to level the match at one set apiece.
The third set unfolded as a captivating showdown, with both players refusing to yield. Davidovich established a 5-2 advantage, putting himself within sight of victory. However, Kecmanovic’s resilience shone through as he fought off two match points and rallied to take the match in thrilling fashion.
Post-Match Reactions
Miomir Kecmanovic: "I’m incredibly proud of this victory. It was a tough match, and I had to dig deep to come back from being down match points. I want to congratulate Alejandro on a great tournament. He played exceptionally well, and I’m honored to have shared the court with him."
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina: "It was a disappointing way to lose, but I have to give credit to Miomir for playing incredibly well at the end. He deserved to win. I’m still proud of the way I played throughout the week, and I’ll look to learn from this experience."
Tournament Director Mark Baron: "We witnessed an unforgettable final today. Both Kecmanovic and Davidovich displayed exceptional skill and sportsmanship. This tournament has once again showcased the caliber of tennis on the ATP Tour, and we look forward to continuing to bring top-level tennis to Delray Beach."
Conclusion
Kecmanovic’s victory in Delray Beach marks a significant milestone in his career, solidifying his status as a rising star on the ATP Tour. His ability to overcome adversity and claim victory against a formidable opponent demonstrates his mental fortitude and championship mettle. With this triumph, Kecmanovic adds another chapter to the rich history of the Delray Beach Open and further elevates the tournament’s reputation as one of the most competitive and entertaining events on the ATP calendar.
