Heartbreaking Ceremony in Washington: De Minaur Ended Up Consoling Davidovich

Fernando Murciego | 28 Jul 2025 | 07.16

De Minaur consoles Davidovich after the Washington final. Source: Getty

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Considering what has happened, destiny must have something very big in store for Alejandro Davidovich. It's hard to imagine a player with such a cruel track record in finals, having lost all four played, two of them with several match points in his favor. While Spain was sleeping early this morning, the Malaga native once again missed the chance for glory in the ATP 500 in Washington, letting slip a 5-2 lead in the third set against Alex De Minaur, to ultimately lose 5-7, 6-1, 7-6. Three match points passed by before his eyes, just like in that fateful conclusion against Kecmanovic, but once again it was not meant to be. Let's go over everything that happened afterward.

03:20 AM

After saving three match points, Alex De Minaur wins the tiebreak in the deciding set and firmly takes control of the situation. Victory! The Australian celebrates with fury, hurls a ball out of the stadium, and quickly heads to the net, where a completely dejected man awaits him.

Handshake at the net between De Minaur and Davidovich in Washington.

03:21 AM

After exchanging greetings at the net, showing the good relationship they have, Davidovich sits on the bench and dreams of disappearing. But it's impossible, the cameras are still there, focusing on the Malaga player for several seconds as he hides under a towel. Meanwhile, De Minaur is signing the camera, leaving the mark of a victory, although the more profound mark has been left on the heart of his opponent, who still can't believe it has happened to him once again.

ALEJANDRO DAVIDOVICH hides under the towel in Washington.

03:25 AM

Now comes the most emotional moment of the night, the most endearing and the most sportsmanlike. While the TV reminds us that De Minaur is now the tenth Australian player with the most titles in history, the Sydney native decides to 'break' the protocols and sits next to the Spaniard on his bench. We can't hear what they are saying, but the gestures clearly show encouragement, trying to explain that what happened tonight in Washington was a miracle. Trying to convince Fokina that this title could easily have been his. For the Malaga player, who has been in this situation before, there seems to be no solace.

All respect after the heat of battle 🤝@alexdavidovich1 @alexdeminaur pic.twitter.com/4ZqkyCFYfV
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) July 28, 2025

03:26 AM

They start preparing everything for the trophy ceremony, a moment that TennisTV seizes to interview the champion, who says the following: "It's incredible what happened on the court, but it's all I could do, believe in myself and keep fighting until the end. If I had to lose, at least it would be on my terms. Today luck was on my side, but it's not always like that; there were many other times when it went the other way. What I'm most proud of from this tournament is my mentality; it's been a super positive week."

03:27 AM

Immediately, the trophy presentation ceremony begins, with the usual host from this side of the pond giving each of the invited personalities their moment of glory. On this occasion, very necessary minutes for both players to process what has happened and think about their speeches.

03:36 AM

Davidovich is the first to receive his trophy, the runner-up trophy, which he accompanies with the following words: "Good evening, everyone. The first thing I want to do is congratulate Alex; he deserved this victory after fighting for every damn ball - sorry for the word. He did so for almost three hours, always pushing me to the limit, so congratulations also to his team and congratulations on returning to the top 10. Thanks also to my team and my wife, who supports me daily, which is not easy, as I have a very particular character." He may not be the champion, but the crowd chants his name non-stop.

ALEJANDRO DAVIDOVICH and his speech in Washington.

03:40 AM

Now it's De Minaur's turn, who besides being an exceptional player, is also a wonderful person. He demonstrated that a few minutes ago and does so again with the trophy in hand. "I want to start by telling Alejandro, although I've already told him many times, both him and his team, that he's heading in the right direction. You deserve this title, and very soon you'll have one - that moment is about to come. Today you deserved it, but I got lucky. You are a great player, a great competitor; no one on the circuit wants to face you, so relax because this is not the end, simply today it didn't happen."

"This is not the end, this is only going up for you."

Perfect words to Alejandro Davidovich Fokina from @alexdeminaur 🙌#MubadalaCitiDCOpen pic.twitter.com/FLARJfmwr2
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) July 28, 2025

03:42 AM

Both speeches have eased the pain and tension of an ending we will not soon forget. Who knows if this will be the last trophy presentation where Davidovich doesn’t hoist the champion's trophy. For now, both with a smile, the two players stand at the center of the picture to show what they have conquered in Washington. The Australian celebrates his tenth individual title and his return to the top 10. The Spaniard, happier than he was ten minutes ago, celebrates that starting this Monday, he breaks into the top 20.