On Sunday afternoon, while all (Polish) eyes were turned on the results of Poland’s legislative elections, Hubet Hurkacz played his best tennis to beat Andrey Rubley in the final of the Shanghai Masters. 

The giant from Wrocław started the match well. He broke his opponent at 3-2 and stayed in front with authority. He needed just over half an hour to seal the first set (6-3). 

The second set quickly turned to the advantage of the Russian, who took a comfortable lead (3-0) before facing some resistance from the Pole. However, the world number 17 could not get back in front and Rublev forced a deciding set, also in just over 30 minutes (3-6).

The third set was extremely tight, with both competitors firmly determined to end up on top. Although he had a break point at 5-6, Hubi could not serve for the match and the outcome of this breathtaking final was to be decided in an ultimate tiebreak. 

Things started well for the Russian (2-5), who seemed to cruise toward victory. He even had a match point at 5-6, saved by Hurkacz. Eventually, it’s the Polish champion who made the difference after over an hour of intense physical and mental battle (7-6 (10-8)). 

This win is of great significance for Hubi, who is about to jump up 6 places in the ATP ranking and knocking on the door of the top 10 (from 17th to 11th). In the meantime, Rublev’s good result makes him join the top 5. It is the second Masters 1000 won by Hubert Hurkacz and his 7th final won out of 8 played on the tour.

Image: X (@UniversTennis)

Author: Sébastien Meuwissen