Hubert Hurkacz battled through back pain to secure a gritty second-round victory over Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Cincinnati. Despite losing the first set 3-6 and struggling with his movement due to discomfort, the Polish player turned the match around to win 3-6, 7-6(4), 6-1.
Hurkacz’s recovery began after a crucial medical timeout during the second set, where he received treatment for his lower back. The break, along with a brief rain delay, helped him regain his form, allowing him to push the set to a tiebreak and win it, leveling the match.
In the final set, Hurkacz dominated, taking an early lead and capitalizing on Nishioka’s frustration, which led to penalties against the Japanese player. Hurkacz maintained his momentum and closed out the match with ease, advancing to the third round.
Next, Hurkacz will face Italy’s Flavio Cobolli, the 31st-ranked player in the ATP standings.
Hubert Hurkacz – Yoshihito Nishioka 2-1 (3-6, 7-6, 6-1)