In a high-stakes showdown, Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz showcased his unwavering resolve, emerging as the victor in the Shanghai Masters final, edging out Andrey Rublev in a heart-pounding match with a scoreline of 6-3, 3-6, 7-6(8). This electrifying victory marked Hurkacz’s second ATP Masters 1000 title, and it was a fitting conclusion to a gripping championship match.
Hurkacz’s performance was marked by a remarkable display of his serving prowess, unleashing a total of 21 aces, while his formidable opponent Andrey Rublev countered with 13 aces. The gripping final could have swung either way, making the outcome uncertain until the final moments when Hurkacz secured the win in a thrilling final-set tiebreak.
Reflecting on the intensity of the contest, a triumphant Hurkacz stated, “It was such a battle, especially emotionally. I had a match point, and Andrey hit an amazing serve, and then he had a match point, and then I had some match points.”
Fifth-seeded Rublev had advanced to the final without conceding a single set. However, this trend shifted when Hurkacz, in a pivotal moment, managed to break the Russian’s serve, seizing a 4-2 lead in the opening set and sealing the set with an ace.
Known for his ace-heavy game, Hurkacz started the match with seven aces in the first set, compared to Rublev’s two. Despite Rublev’s comeback in the second set, the true climax occurred in the final set, taking the match to a thrilling conclusion.
With Rublev serving at 5-4 and the game at deuce in the final set, frustration got the better of the Russian. An unfortunate movement by a photographer as Rublev lost a point led to an outburst from the Russian, drawing a reprimand from the umpire. Despite this moment of turbulence, Rublev saved a match point and held his serve. The tiebreak was a rollercoaster, with Rublev initially gaining an early advantage at 3-0.
However, Hubert Hurkacz was not to be outdone. Displaying remarkable resilience, he kept himself in the game with two crucial aces, and at 5-6 down, he delivered another ace to stave off match point. The tiebreak continued its see-saw battle, with both players trading breaks to level it at 8-8.
In the end, it was Hubert Hurkacz who had the final word. Breaking Rublev’s serve once again, he secured the title and etched his name in the annals of the Shanghai Masters history.
Following his triumph, an elated Hurkacz emphasized the significance of this victory, stating, “It is such a big tournament with so much tradition. It is a huge event, and I am really happy now.”
With this remarkable win, Hurkacz will ascend to the 11th position in the ATP world rankings, solidifying his status as a force to be reckoned with in the world of tennis.
