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Polish tennis player Hubert Hurkacz, seeded ninth, triumphed over American qualifier Christopher Eubanks in a gripping encounter at the Halle Open. In their first-ever meeting, Hurkacz overcame Eubanks, ranked 77th in the ATP rankings, with a 6-4, 6-7, 6-3 scoreline.
Eubanks displayed a strong start, but Hurkacz gradually found his rhythm, particularly excelling in returning serves. The pivotal moment came when Hurkacz broke Eubanks’ serve at 3-3 in the first set, maintaining his advantage until the end.
Eubanks began to assert himself in the second set, presenting a formidable challenge with an improved serving performance. Both players held their ground, leading to a closely contested tiebreak. Despite Hurkacz holding four match points, Eubanks took a calculated risk and broke his higher-ranked opponent, clinching the tiebreak 13-11.
Hurkacz Seals Victory in the Final Set
The third set witnessed a noticeable shift as Eubanks struggled with the physical demands of the match, ultimately succumbing to Hurkacz’s relentless pressure. Hurkacz broke Eubanks’ serve at the first opportunity, maintaining his advantage and securing his spot in the defense of his Halle title.
In the second round, Hurkacz will face Tallon Griekspoor from the Netherlands. Their previous encounter at the recently concluded French Open saw Hurkacz emerge victorious in a grueling five-set battle. The highly anticipated match in Halle is scheduled for Wednesday.