Hubert Hurkacz drew on his resources yesterday afternoon to reach the National Bank Open final.
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After losing the first set to Casper Ruud (7-5), the Pole won the last two 6-3 and 6-2 to advance to the final.
He will participate in his sixth career final on the ATP circuit, including his second in a Masters 1000 tournament. Last year, he won the Miami tournament which was also on hard surface.
This match did not lack action. The first set was thrilling with three service breaks. Ruud’s second, tied at 5-5, tipped the odds in his favor.
However, it should be noted that the Norwegian has shown character. Trailing 3-0, he came back to get his hands on the set with solid play. We saw a few sequences similar to those we saw against Félix Auger-Aliassime.
Subsequently, Hurkacz had the upper hand over Ruud in several facets. He won the second set with a timely break in the middle of the set. Ruud had the chance to retaliate immediately, but he missed his opportunity. The 10e world player used the same scenario as in the first round. He forged a comfortable 3-0 lead before confirming his victory a few minutes later.
Hurkacz did not give up
Hurkacz, the tournament’s eighth seed, was obviously proud of his win.
“I’m very happy to have won, mentioned the Pole. Casper is a tough opponent. I had to give everything to have the last word.
“After the first run, he was playing really well. I just told myself that I shouldn’t let go. I just wanted to search and find a way out.”
Hurkacz didn’t have much time to celebrate his triumph. He also participated in the doubles semi-final late yesterday evening with his compatriot Jan Zielinski.
He has a chance of making both finals today. It would be a first since John McEnroe in 1984. The American had won both tournaments.
“I work very hard. I feel good physically,” he said.
“Stupid” decisions
For his part, Ruud was more talkative in explaining his loss in the semi-finals.
“I made stupid choices. It’s frustrating to lose when you’re ahead or you’re in control of the game, stressed the Norwegian. The first run didn’t go as I expected when he took a broken lead.
“Afterwards, the wind changed sides. I was a little surprised to have had the chance to win to be honest.
Unlike the day before against Félix Auger-Aliassime, Ruud was less effective with his shots from the baseline.
“I played too often on Hubert’s backhand which is a strong side for him. He can play this backhand crosswise on either side in counter-attack. Some points in the third set were decided with this decisive setback.
Ruud will imitate the other ATP players and he will head to Cincinnati to take part in the Masters 1000 tournament tomorrow.