In a thrilling final at the Delray Beach Open, Serbia’s Miomir Kecmanovic staged a remarkable comeback to secure his second ATP title, defeating Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 3-6, 6-1, 7-5. It was a dramatic, two-hour-plus baseline battle between two 25-year-old Europeans, marking the first non-American Delray Beach Open final since 2019.
Ranked 57th in the world, Kecmanovic displayed incredible resilience, fighting back from a set down and overcoming a 4-1 and 5-2 deficit in the third set. He even saved two match points, including one during a grueling 20-stroke rally that shifted momentum in his favor. Davidovich Fokina, ranked 60th, appeared poised for victory, leading 5-2 in the final set and holding double-match point. However, a crucial forehand call that missed the sideline by a quarter-of-an-inch proved to be the turning point.
Kecmanovic seized the opportunity, surging into a 5-5 tie and breaking Fokina to go up 6-5. Despite facing a break point in the final game, the Serbian maintained his composure, ultimately clinching victory as Fokina’s return sailed long. Collapsing flat on his back in relief and joy, Kecmanovic celebrated his first hardcourt title and first ATP victory since his 2020 triumph on clay in Austria.
The win was especially sweet for Kecmanovic, who reached the Delray Beach Open finals in 2023 but lost to Taylor Fritz. This time, he completed his redemption arc, capitalizing on his speed and powerful groundstrokes to dismantle Fokina’s varied spins, slices, and strategic play.
Playing at the Delray Beach Tennis Center for the first time, Davidovich Fokina showed great promise throughout the tournament. He notably defeated tournament favorite Taylor Fritz in the quarterfinals, ending Fritz’s nine-match winning streak at Delray. In the final, Fokina’s creative shot-making secured him the first set, including an impressive lob that earned him an early break. However, a lull in the second set allowed Kecmanovic to dominate, setting the stage for the dramatic third set.
Despite starting with twelve American players in the main draw, none made it to the final. Tommy Paul, the Boca Raton native, withdrew due to a shoulder injury, while Fritz, ranked fourth in the world, was knocked out in the quarterfinals. Reilly Opelka, returning from a two-year injury hiatus, exited in the second round, and third seed Alex Michelsen fell to Kecmanovic in the semifinals. Notably absent were Frances Tiafoe and Ben Shelton, whose schedules did not allow for participation despite efforts from tournament chairman Ivan Baron.
With his victory in Delray Beach, Kecmanovic not only secured his second ATP title but also made a strong statement about his resilience and potential on the hardcourt circuit. As for Davidovich Fokina, his performance showed promise and will undoubtedly fuel his motivation in future tournaments.
The Delray Beach Open concluded with high drama and exceptional tennis, highlighting the rise of international talents and the challenges faced by American players on home soil.
