Hurkacz beats Rublev to win Shanghai Masters in thriller

FE Team | Published: October 15, 2023 23:34:37

Poland's Hubert Hurkacz rejoicing with the winner's trophy after winning against Russia's Andrey Rublev in their men's singles final match at the Shanghai Masters tennis tournament in Shanghai on Sunday — AFP

SHANGHAI, Oct 15 (AFP): Hubert Hurkacz saved a match point before defeating fifth seed Andrey Rublev 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (10/8) to win a thrilling Shanghai Masters final on Sunday.
It was the big-serving Pole's second Masters triumph, to go with the one he won in Miami in 2021, and a seventh ATP title in all.
"It was such a battle, especially emotionally," the 16th seed said after surviving a nail-biting third-set tie break in front of the watching Roger Federer.
"I had a match point and Andrey hit an amazing serve and then he had a match point and then I had some match points.
"It was back and forth and such a tricky match."
Hurkacz had Rublev under pressure early and broke the Russian with a vicious whipped forehand that Rublev had no chance of returning to lead 4-2 in the first set. The 25-year-old Rublev let out an angry roar in response and then Hurkacz easily held his own booming serve to go up 5-2.