Hubert Hurkacz displayed an awe-inspiring performance as he secured his second Masters title in an exhilarating final at the Shanghai Masters on Sunday. Going head-to-head against Andrey Rublev, the Polish player showcased remarkable resilience by saving a match point before ultimately triumphing with a scoreline of 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (8). The match was filled with intense moments and breathtaking rallies that kept spectators on the edge of their seats until the very last point.
Similar to his standout semifinal victory over Sebastian Korda, Hurkacz relied heavily on his ferocious serve as his primary weapon. Throughout the match, the 25-year-old sent down an astounding 21 aces and dominated with an impressive winning percentage of over 80% on his first serves. This remarkable display of serving prowess allowed him to gain a significant advantage over Rublev and set the tone for his success in the final.
Hurkacz struck the first blow of the match by delivering a penetrating forehand winner, breaking Rublev’s serve in the sixth game of the opening set. This crucial breakthrough proved to be decisive in capturing the first set. Up until that point, Rublev had not dropped a set in the entire tournament. However, the setback seemed to ignite a fire within the resilient Russian player, who found his range in the second set and unleashed a barrage of 16 winners to force a decider.
As the match progressed, the tension intensified, and both players showcased their unwavering determination. Rublev showcased incredible resilience by saving a match point while serving at 4-5 in the third set. Seizing control, he then secured a 5-2 advantage in the thrilling tiebreaker. However, Hurkacz refused to concede defeat and responded with back-to-back aces, leveling the score at 5-5. The seesaw battle continued as Rublev earned a match point at 6-5, only for Hurkacz to defy the odds and save it. Finally, on his fourth opportunity, Hurkacz converted his match point, sealing victory after an intense battle that lasted two hours and nine minutes.
Reflecting on the intense contest, Hurkacz described it as an emotional and challenging battle. The Polish player acknowledged Rublev’s exceptional shot-making skills while commending his own resilience and belief throughout the match. Winning the Shanghai Masters holds significant meaning for Hurkacz, as he recognizes the tournament’s prestigious status and rich tradition. The 26-year-old now boasts an impressive total of seven tour-level titles, with his recent triumph in Shanghai adding to his Masters title win at Miami earlier this year.
Hubert Hurkacz’s victory in the thrilling final of the Shanghai Masters showcased his unwavering determination, resilience, and exceptional serving skills. The match epitomized the epitome of a high-stakes battle, with both players displaying extraordinary talent and an unyielding spirit. As Hurkacz savored his triumph, he solidified his position among the top players in the world and added another significant achievement to his already illustrious career.
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