(Video) Tension rises at the net as Alejandro Davidovich Fokina and Karen Khachanov argue in their quarter-finals match in Barcelona

Karen Khachanov beat Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 6-4, 7-5 at the Barcelona Open to reach his first semi-finals of the season.

(Video) Tension rises at the net as Alejandro Davidovich Fokina and Karen Khachanov argue in their quarter-finals match in Barcelona

Karen Khachanov and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina had a heated argument (via X/ATP/Tennis TV)

Karen Khachanov and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina had a fierce battle for the first ticket to the semi-finals of the Barcelona Open. The former secured the ultimate ticket in the end. But that led to a confrontation by Davidovich Fokina, which turned into an argument the next before both players walked away from the court.

The two had faced each other three times on tour but it was their first clay-court meeting. Khachanov, World No.27, got off to a better start against Davidovich Fokina by securing an early break. But the Spaniard responded, breaking back to level 4-4 in the first set. However, the Russian ultimately finished the set stringer after taking the last two games.

YouTube video

In the second set, Khachanov looked hungrier to bounce back. The Monte Carlo Masters semifinalist led 4-1 before Khachanov replied with one match point. But he extended his lead to 5-2 and was looking to push the game to a deciding set. Unfortunately, his errors allowed Khachanov to level 5-5.

Khachanov then continued with the momentum and cemented his place in the semi-final of the Barcelona Open by beating Fokina 6-4, 7-5. After the win, the Russian was walking to the net but realized his opponent was coming to meet him on the other side. After a half embrace, an argument started between the two.

However, it didn’t take time for them to settle their differences and hug it out. Khachanov was the happiest of the two players, who went on to greet the fans after the win. The 2018 Paris Masters champion his first semi-finals of the season having, previously failed to progress beyond the third round at the Australian Open, Indian Wells, and Miami Open.

Davidovich Fokina left the court sad after failing to push for a deciding set, which would have helped him script a comeback victory. The Spaniard has been on form on clay and has beaten two Top 10 players on the surface, including a win over Jack Draper in the Monte Carlo Masters.

Karen Khachanov reveals what the argument was all about

The argument which ensued between Karen Khachanov and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina overshadowed their display on the court. During Khachanov’s press conference in Barcelona, he was asked what resulted in the argument. The Russian was professional, stating it was a bit of frustration for both of them.

Karen Khachanov (via Daily Express)

Sometimes, okay, in the heat of the battle, the players are getting a little bit frustrated, let’s say. little bit emotional, a little bit nervous. In a few games before we were in a little bit of a fight. Look, at the end of the day, I’m here to fight in a fair-play way so we sorted it out at the end. I don’t have any problem with him, to be honest. Okay, we said some things before, but after, we shook hands like a man and that’s it, it’s over.

Karen Khachanov said via Barcelona Open Press

Fokina also revealed that that altercation was just a bit emotional after the match and was nothing. The players will be looking forward to another meeting as they bold share a 2-2 head-to-head record.

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina disappointed after Barcelona exit

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina had beaten Andrey Rublev in the Round of 16 at the Barcelona Open before facing another Russian, Karen Khachanov. The Spaniard has been in great form this season and was seeking an extended run at the ATP 500 event. But after the loss, he was disappointed that he failed to take his chances in the match.

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina Barcelona Open 2025
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina (via Instagram/Barcelona Open)

A very close match, I knew that Karen was playing well. I had my chances and didn’t take advantage of them, especially in the second set, but that’s tennis, sometimes it gives and sometimes it takes. I’m happy with how I competed until the last point, he beat me by a small margin, we will learn from the mistakes and move forward.

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina said via Barcelona Open Press

Fokina’s next tournament is the Madrid Open. The Malaga-born player began his career on clay and has a lot of experience on the surface. He will hope to bounce back in the ATP 1000 tournament.