ATP Masters Montreal: Hubert Hurkacz stops Nick Kyrgios
Hubert Hurkacz stopped Nick Kyrgios ' strong run. The 25-year-old inflicted the Australian's first defeat since the Wimbledon final and is in the semifinals of the ATP Masters 1000 event in Montreal.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit: Aug 12, 2022, 07:59 pm
Nick Kyrgios has his own methods. Even when it comes to dealing with physical problems. The Australian encountered discomfort, especially in the back area, in the quarter-final duel with Hubert Hurkacz at the ATP Masters 1000 event in Montreal with a speed as a server that was often too much even for his opponent.
However, the speed at which the game is played depends on the server: And so Hubert Hurkacz had to play along with this spectacle for better or for worse. Kyrgios initially seemed less bothered by this unusually short time between rallies, the newly crowned Washington winner performed confidently in his own service games - and confidently thwarted the only break chance of the opening set.
Hurkacz with a strong tie break
Hubert Hurkacz did the same. Consequently, a tie-break had to make the decision in round one. According to the previous serve strength of the two opponents, there were nuances that tipped the scales in favor of the Pole Hurkacz in the short decision: Kyrgios made a double mistake at the start of the tie-break, Hurkacz did not have to give up a point on his own serve - and drew 7: 4 to 1 :0 sets of it.
In set two, the spectators initially saw a completely different picture: Both players now found several break chances, but in these moments the servers showed themselves from the best side. Despite numerous chances, there were no breaks to report in the second round. Biggest conspicuousness: Hurkacz now cheerfully followed Kyrgios' high pace - and followed the Australian into a second tie-break after almost exactly one hour and 15 minutes.
In the second short decision of the set, Nick Kyrgios managed the first mini-break of the game with an extremely lucky net roller, but the Australian had to give it up again immediately after a great net game by Hubert Hurkacz. Nevertheless, the 27-year-old now had the upper hand, got another mini break and a little later the set equalization.
Kyrgios with nine wins in a row
However, this should by no means have been the last twist of this entertaining quarter-final duel. Kyrgios undertook a completely unfocused service game at the start of the deciding set, with the second double fault of the game the Australian finally had to accept the first break of the game. Hurkacz shouldn't let that go, after almost two hours the Pole secured the 7: 6 (4), 6: 7 and 6: 1 success.
For Nick Kyrgios, who was able to defeat number one in the world, Daniil Medvedev, during the course of the tournament, it is the first defeat in nine wins in a row. The Australian suffered his last defeat in the final of the Australian Open. Hubert Hurkacz is now waiting for the winner of the duel between Casper Ruud and local hero Felix Auger-Aliassime.