WATCH: Ben Shelton’s Monte Carlo campaign begins with a blow as Davidovich Fokina sends him packing in first round

Tennis star Ben Shelton has suffered a first-round defeat in the ongoing Monte Carlo Masters tournament. Star player Alejandro Davidovich Fokina has defeated the American sensation with a scoreline of 6-7 (2), 6-2, 6-2 to storm into the second round of the prestigious tournament.

The 22-year-old star was trailing 2-4 in the first set of the game but staged his comeback as it forced the game into the tiebreaker and took the opening set lead. At this moment, it seems that the American star will seal the game in straight sets.

Surprisingly, Davidovich has marked his stellar comeback and executed stunning passing shots with backhand and forehand volleys to level up the game in the second set. The Spain-born star continued his terrific form in the third and deciding set and maintained his 100% winning record against Ben Shelton.

How have fans reacted to Ben Shelton's opening-round loss?

After the win, Alejandro Davidovich Fokina erupted into a jubilant celebration, as winning against the 22-year-old star wasn't easy for him. The Spaniard's celebration showcases that he aims to be the top ATP player. On the other hand, Ben Shelton, who is yet to mark a win in the Monte Carlo Masters, seems visibly upset, showcasing his displeasure in the game.

Tennis fans were also disappointed, as many of them would have expected Shelton to at least make it to the quarters or pre-quarters. Some of the fans were sympathetic towards him, while some harshly criticised his horrendous display.

Watch the video here:

Fokina finds a way 😤

He fights back from a set and break down to defeat Shelton and move on at the @ROLEXMCMASTERS pic.twitter.com/HackHIPyjN

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) April 7, 2025

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina reflected on his win!

"It's a victory that makes me very happy, since after Acapulco I haven't had a good time with injuries and such. It's a challenge to come here, the first week on clay, and you don't know what will happen with a great server and a great player. I was a bit more nervous than usual throughout the match, but I knew how to be there at every moment, and that's what gave me the victory today, knowing how to be there and being competitive," Alejandro Davidovich Fokina said after the win.