Estimated reading time: 1 minute
Polish tennis sensation Hubert Hurkacz has made history by advancing to the semifinals of the ATP Cincinnati Masters. In a dominant performance, Hurkacz defeated Alexei Popyrin 6-1, 7-6(8), securing his best-ever result in the tournament.
Hurkacz entered the match as the clear favorite, having defeated strong opponents like Borna Coric and Stefanos Tsitsipas in previous rounds. His impeccable serve and strategic gameplay led him to swiftly claim the first set, where Popyrin struggled to find his footing.
No catching Hurkacz 🏃♂️🇵🇱@HubertHurkacz launches into a 5️⃣th Masters 1000 semi-final 👉 posting 6-1 7-6(8) over Popyrin@CincyTennis | #CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/J5qK8pvAQm
— ATP Tour (@atptour) August 18, 2023
Tight Battle in the Second Set
Popyrin made a remarkable comeback in the second set, bolstering his serve and maintaining a closely contested battle. With both players holding their serves, a tie-break became inevitable. Despite facing adversity, Hurkacz regained his composure, serving with precision and sealing the tie-break 10-8.
Hurkacz’s victory marks a milestone in his career, becoming the best Polish performance in the tournament’s history. As he progresses to the semifinals, he faces the prospect of a tough encounter against Carlos Alcaraz. Alcaraz, currently set to face Max Purcell in the quarterfinals, could pose a formidable challenge for Hurkacz in the quest for a spot in the final.