Alejandro Davidovich Fokina stirred controversy at the Paris Masters with a bold post-match gesture that ignited the crowd. After defeating French wildcard Arthur Cazaux in straight sets, the Spaniard celebrated by mimicking NBA star Steph Curry’s “Night Night” pose—placing his hands together beside his tilted head, as if going to sleep. The gesture, often used to signal a decisive win, was interpreted by many as a direct taunt to the home crowd.
The match had already been emotionally charged, with the Parisian fans vocally backing their compatriot. Davidovich Fokina’s celebration came immediately after match point and was repeated after the handshake, amplifying the crowd’s disapproval. He then waved toward the stands, encouraging the boos with a defiant smile.
Crowd Reaction and Player Response
The crowd at La Défense Arena responded with loud jeers, clearly displeased with the perceived disrespect. Davidovich Fokina didn’t back down. Instead, he leaned into the moment, waving again and shouting toward the fans.
Arthur Cazaux, speaking after the match, acknowledged the tension. “He made his choice. I don’t think he’ll have many fans left here next round,” said Cazaux.
A Pattern of Provocation?
This wasn’t Davidovich Fokina’s first clash with a French crowd. Just days earlier, he had defeated another French player, Valentin Royer, and faced similar reactions. His behavior in Paris suggests a growing comfort with playing the villain—especially when facing local favorites.
The Spaniard’s next match will be against defending champion Alexander Zverev. Whether the crowd’s hostility will affect his performance remains to be seen, but it’s clear that Davidovich Fokina has embraced the role of provocateur.
ATP Paris - Alejandro Davidovich Fokina's projected path
Davidovich Fokina in Paris, ranking, and results in 2025
Ranked world no.15 (career-high), Davidovich Fokina has a composed 44-25 match record in 2025. Davidovich Fokina is playing at the moment in Paris where he defeated the world no.59 Valentin Royer 4-6 6-1 6-4 and the world no.62 Arthur Cazaux 7-6(5) 6-4.
will square off with the world no.3 Alexander Zverev in the 3rd round. Their record is 5-1 for Zverev.Alejandro reached the final in Delray Beach (Delray Beach Open), in Acapulco (Abierto Mexicano Telcel), in Washington (Citi Open) and in Basel (Swiss Indoors Basel).
Arthur Cazaux in 2025
Now ranked no.62, Arthur played his last match on the 29th of October when he lost to world no.15 Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 7-6(5) 6-4 in the 2nd round in Paris (draw).
Presently, during this year Cazaux has achieved an overall 32-23 record. This year, the French player lifted the trophy in the Jinan Challenger. Arthur was the runner-up in Kitzbuhel.
He is also scheduled to play in Metz (Moselle Open). The main draw will start on the 2nd of November.
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina and Arthur Cazaux faced off only on 2 occasions. Their actual head to head record is 2-0 for Davidovich Fokina.