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Carlos Alcaraz's admiration for Alejandro Davidovich Fokina was well-documented long before the Spaniard's shocking snub from Spain's Davis Cup Finals squad. The 26-year-old sits at world No. 18 and ranks as Spain's second-best player behind the six-time Grand Slam winner , yet wasn't chosen for the tournament kicking off next month. Alcaraz will team up with Jaume Munar, Pedro Martínez, and Marcel Granollers in Bologna, leaving Davidovich Fokina's absence as a major talking point. Team captain David Ferrer has yet to announce Spain's fifth player, but the tennis ace confirmed his omission in an official statement. Davidovich Fokina, who faces Joao Fonseca in today's Swiss Indoors final, revealed to Marca earlier this week: "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. "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." Despite feeling puzzled by his snub given his higher ranking compared to those picked ahead of him, the 26 year old praised his fellow countrymen before the competition. "I'm at my best ranking, world number 18, and I'm the number two Spaniard," he proudly stated. "I feel very proud of the work I have done with my team this year, especially coming from a difficult year before. The players selected are also great and I'm sure they will give everything for Spain." When quizzed about whether he'd consider taking the fifth and final slot in the squad, he confessed that he believes his performance this year warrants him a spot among the first four players selected. "Being ranked number 18 in the world, I believe I deserved to be among the four best players of my country, with all due respect to my team-mates, who as I have said are also great players," he elaborated. "Now, my objective is to focus on what's left of the season and prepare to reach the highest level next year." Despite not being team-mates next month, Davidovich Fokina and Alcaraz share a strong bond, as revealed by the 22-year-old prior to defeating his fellow Spaniard in the semi-final of the Monte Carlo Masters 1000 last year. "Yes, he invited me to his wedding," the world No. 1 previously said of Davidovich Fokina. "He's a friend. We've known each other for a long time. He also used to play with my older brother when they were kids. "I know him quite well. We've played several times, and we train together often. It's never easy to play against someone you like, but this is tennis: on the court, there are no friends."
