Hurkacz Snaps Kyrgios’ Winning Streak In Montreal

Hubert Hurkacz survived an attacking bombardment from Nick Kyrgios to reach his fourth ATP Masters 1000 semi-final on Friday in Montreal, overcoming the Australian 7-6(4), 6-7(5), 6-1 on Court Central.

In an absorbing clash at the National Bank Open Presented by Rogers, the Pole adjusted to the 27-year-old’s quick play on serve, while he delivered decisive blows from his own strings to advance after one hour and 46 minutes and improve to 31-13 on the season.

“Nick has been playing some incredible tennis throughout the past weeks, so it is a pleasure playing against him,” Hurkacz said in his on-court interview. “I hope the fans enjoyed it as well, but I am happy with the result in the end.”

Last week’s Washington champion Kyrgios entered the match in red-hot form, having won 15 of his past 16 matches, with his only defeat coming against Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon final.

However, after a fast-paced and intense first two sets, the Australian was unable to match the Pole’s energy in the third set, with eighth seed Hurkacz grinding down a tiring Kyrgios – who struggled physically – to move to 11-6 in deciding sets this year.

“I started really well. Nick was maybe a little bit injured, which might have hurt his serve. With both of us serving so well, that few per cent can make the difference,” Hurkacz added.

Hurkacz now leads Kyrgios 2-0 in their ATP Head2Head series and has improved his record to 28-1 after winning the first set this year. The 25-year-old, who triumphed in Miami in 2021, will continue the quest for his second ATP Masters 1000 crown against fourth seed Casper Ruud or home favourite Felix Auger-Aliassime.

In a lively match, both players looked strong on serve for large periods. Kyrgios averaged 10 seconds between points during the first two sets as he frequently interrupted the crowd’s roars with his fast-paced style, while Hurkacz rushed to ready himself for the return.

The Pole clinched a tight first set in the tie-break with a backhand winner, before Kyrgios battled back in the second set. With the help of a net cord at 3/2 in the second-set tie-break, the World No. 27 gained a crucial mini-break, before he levelled the match with his seventh ace of the set.

A third-set push was a step too far for Kyrgios, though, with the Australian seemingly tiring on the hard courts in Montreal. Hurkacz quickly broke at the start of the decider, before he remained solid on serve to triumph.

Earlier this season, Hurkacz clinched his fourth tour-level title in Halle and is currently ninth in the Pepperstone ATP Race To Turin as he looks to make his second appearance at the Nitto ATP Finals.

Did You Know?
Hurkacz is the only former Masters 1000 champion left in the draw.