Alejandro Davidovich Fokina has issued an apology after his Wimbledon post-match interview went viral for all the wrong reasons. The 27-year-old found his interview spreading rapidly across social media after his blunt responses following a straight-sets first-round victory over Juan Manuel Cerundolo.
Blunt Interview Sparks Controversy
The right-hander was surprisingly curt with media outlet Movistar+ after his win on Court 17. However, days on, the Spaniard moved to make amends, shedding light on his brief interview and offering an apology to the reporter who bore the brunt of the uncomfortable exchange at SW19.
Davidovich Fokina was in considerably better spirits on Wednesday after maintaining his impressive form on grass, booking his place in the third round with a straight-sets victory over Hungarian Fabian Marozsan.
Gruelling Conditions Lead to Terse Exchange
Davidovich Fokina had battled past Argentine opponent Cerundolo in unusually sweltering conditions at Wimbledon, with a tie-breaker sealing the win in two hours and 16 minutes in the opening round. It was widely suggested that the Spaniard was worn out from the gruelling encounter, which contributed to his terse exchange with the journalist.
He had been swiftly back in action following his ATP title in Mallorca just four days prior. When quizzed on how he was feeling after his first-round victory at Wimbledon, he replied: "Bad," before dismissing suggestions that he was fatigued.
Pressed further on why he wasn't feeling well despite winning, the 22nd seed said: "My whole body hurts."
Apology After Second-Round Win
His second-round performance was considerably more straightforward, as he swept past Maroszan 6-3, 6-0, 6-3, finishing a full hour faster than his victory over Cerundolo. Following his triumph over the Hungarian, Davidovich Fokina went out of his way to apologise to the reporter.
"I just want to say sorry for the interview two days ago," he said. "My back was hurting, I had a panic attack. I just wanted to go to the locker room."
The reporter was gracious in response, brushing off any lingering tension. Davidovich Fokina now has his eyes set on the fourth round, but first must get past fellow Hungarian Marton Fucsovics.
Looking Ahead
Should he defeat the 34-year-old, he could potentially face Canada's Felix Auger-Aliassime, though the 25-year-old must first see off qualifier Michael Zeng to advance to the fourth round. Davidovich Fokina has matched his finest showing at Wimbledon by making it to the third round.
In seven appearances since 2018, he has never managed to progress beyond the last 32.
