After three tie-breaks and saving five match balls, Hubert Hurkacz edged out Thanasi Kokkinakis 6(10):7, 7:6(7), 7:6(6). The Pole thus advanced to the third round of the prestigious ATP tournament in Miami.
In a nail-biting match, Hubert Hurkacz had a tough start but fought back to secure a victory against Australia’s Thanasi Kokkinakis. The Polish player opened the match with ease, but his advantage was not evident in the subsequent games. Neither Hurkacz nor his opponent was able to break the other, leading to a tie-break. Kokkinakis had a better start in the tie-break and eventually finished the set with a score of 12-10.
The second set was no different. Hurkacz was leading 5:3, but Kokkinakis battled back for a 6-5 lead, putting the Pole in a tough spot. The Pole managed to take the set to a tie-break and eventually clinched the win with a 9-7 score, fending off three match points.
The decisive set was yet another rollercoaster. Although Hurkacz had more break points than his opponent, he did not break even once. Thus, it came down to a 6:6 score again and a tie-break.
Australian tennis player Thanasi Kokkinakis was unable to secure a spot in the third round of the tournament, after an intense match against Polish player Hurkacz. In the decisive part of the match, Kokkinakis initially secured a mini-break and led 3-0. However, Hurkacz defended match balls at 4-6 and went on a winning streak, ultimately securing his victory in the tie-break 8-6.
In his Round 3 match, Hurkacz will face Adrian Mannarino. The match will take place on Monday, 27 March.
Hubert Hurkacz – Thanasi Kokkinakis 2-1 (6-7, 7-6, 7-6)