In 2022, Hubert Hurkacz entered his name on the list of winners of the Halle grass court tournament for the first time. He is the only player left in the field who can claim this honour. Should he not be able to lift the trophy on Sunday, there will be a completely new TERRA WORTMANN OPEN winner.
But the 27-year-old Pole is also a force to be reckoned with this year. Hubert Hurkacz proved this in his round of 16 match with James Duckworth. The world number nine knew no mercy with his serve. But the Australian qualifier also served very well. Nevertheless, the Pole, who is seeded fifth in Halle, managed to get a break. However, he was unable to capitalise on his break chances in the first set - three in total. So it went into a tie-break, which Hubert Hurkacz deservedly won 7:3, also judging by the course of the match.
With the set win behind him, he was also better at capitalising on break opportunities. Hubert Hurkacz made the break at the very first opportunity to make it 1:0. It was already the decider, as James Duckworth was no longer able to equalise the deficit. The Pole only conceded nine points in his eleven service games and served 17 aces. That speaks for itself.
"The switch to grass is working better and better. It's important to get match practice. That's why I play both singles and doubles here. And I realise I'm getting better and better at my game," Hubert Hurkacz was visibly satisfied after the match. The quarter-finals can come.
