You work hard. You grind. You climb your way into the top 20 in the world. And then, just when you think your moment has arrived, you’re told you won’t be part of your national team. That’s exactly what happened to Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. Ranked 18th globally, he had hoped to represent Spain in the Davis Cup Finals in Bologna, only to find out captain David Ferrer had made a different call.

Well, the confirmed Spanish squad for the Davis Cup Finals includes Carlos Alcaraz, Jaume Munar, Pedro Martínez, and Marcel Granollers. Though a fifth player is yet to be announced, Davidovich Fokina confirmed it wouldn’t be him. For the Final 8, captain David Ferrer chose the players who helped Spain qualify, plus Alcaraz.

In a candid interview with Marca, he didn’t hold back: “Being ranked number 18 in the world, I think I deserved to be among the four best players in my country, with all due respect to my teammates, who, as I said, are also great players. Now, my goal is to focus on the remainder of the season and prepare to reach the highest level next year.” Earlier in the season, he missed a few ties, but he was still expecting a call for Bologna.

“David called me a week ago to inform me I would not be in the first list. Even before that call, I had told him he could count on me. It will always be a source of pride for me to represent Spain, but in the end it was his decision and I accepted it,” he said. Spain will face the Czech Republic in the quarterfinals.

For Spain’s No. 2 singles player, it’s come as a blow, as he opted out of the qualifying round only due to injuries sustained in the North American hard court swing. But Ferrer’s selection is fair: though players like Jaume Munar (42) and Pedro Martínez (88) are not ranked higher than him, they helped Spain earn their spot.

Still, Alejandro Davidovich Fokina didn’t go full scorched earth. “It was the Captain’s decision and I respect it. Obviously, I would have loved to be on the list and represent my country, but this time he has decided to count on other players,” he said. Next season, expect him to be hungrier, sharper, and ready to prove he belongs not just in the rankings but on the big stage for his country. But he still has a chance to be part of the Davis Cup.

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina finds strength in the struggle

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina’s season has been a blur: planes, matches, recovery rooms, repeat. And to some extent, it’s the reality of almost every top tennis player. But for Fokina, the grind eventually caught up to him after a punishing North American swing. And that left him to skip Spain’s Davis Cup qualifier earlier this year. The 26-year-old battled through endless back-to-back tournaments before injuries finally made him stop and listen to his body.

He had to pull out mid-event in Canada and Cincinnati, then suffered an early exit at the US Open that felt more like a sigh of exhaustion than defeat. For once, he took the hint and hit pause to rest up. Still, ever the team man, he showed up for Spain’s tie against Denmark, maybe not in peak form, but with the same fire and loyalty that make him who he is. And that, perhaps, gave Ferrer a little more to think about when choosing his Finals squad.

“I missed those qualifiers due to physical problems. I’ve been competing tirelessly this year, and my withdrawals in Toronto and Cincinnati were a warning about my condition, Davidovich Fokina explained. “The captain was aware of everything and was in communication with me and my team.” Despite the hectic season and breaks, he remains eager to represent Spain in future seasons. But he still can be the fifth player.

As captains can nominate up to five players per team, and Spain currently has four men confirmed, Davidovich Fokina is clear he doesn’t want to be considered only as a last-minute addition for next month’s Davis Cup Finals. But he knows he might be ready for next year’s event. “As long as I’m physically fit and on the roster, it will be an honor for me to represent my country and fight to lead the team to victory.”

After a grueling season that tested both body and spirit, Alejandro Davidovich Fokina seems ready to turn the page, health first, but heart still set on the red and yellow. Spain may not call him this time, but his fire for the flag clearly hasn’t dimmed.