Newly opened applications open in background
Answered by MiJyn, in this link: Disable new windows auto opening in background
Here is the solution posted there, by MattBAustinTX
get
compizconfig-settings-managerPress
Alt+F2and typeccsmselect the category "General"
click on "General Options"
Select the "Focus and Raise Behaviour" tab
Check "Auto-raise" and set "Focus Prevention" level to Off
That fixed things up for me. Hope it does for you as well.