The match started out as expected as the second-seeded Davidovich-Fokina won the first set 6-2. However, things began to get heated in the fourth game of the second set with Kotov ahead 2-1.
As Davidovich Fokina hit a soft volley close to the net to keep a rally going, Kotov approached the net and slammed the ball straight at him. ADF was able to protect himself with his racket, but the staredown afterwards indicated that he was not happy. Kotov indicated that he did not intentionally target him, but that did not seem to help.
Kotov went on to win the second set 6-3, then closed out the match with a 6-4 win in the third set. As they met at the net after the match, ADF gave Kotov a frosty handshake and had something to say indicating he was still not happy about the earlier incident. Kotov seemed apologetic, but ADF was not ready to forgive or forget.That ADF stare down 👀
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) June 27, 2023
Things getting heated in Mallorca...#MallorcaChampionships pic.twitter.com/WYE4Jp6M3q
Kotov advances to face South African Lloyd Harris in the quarterfinals. As for ADF, he may have lost the match, but he has made over $900K this year alone, which is not too shabby. We will see if these two players face each other again in the future. That would be must-see TV.Upset Complete 😮
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) June 27, 2023
Pavel Kotov reaches only his 2nd ATP quarter-final, as he takes out number 2 seed Davidovich Fokina in Mallorca!#MallorcaChampionships pic.twitter.com/L1bBDIVX7H
