Hubert Hurkacz serves his way into the final

Hubert Hurkacz has reached the final of the TERRA WORTMANN OPEN for the second time since his tournament triumph in 2022. The Pole defeated the German number one Alexander Zverev 7:6(2) and 6:4 in the semi-final. In the end, the player from Hamburg had no chance of winning against Hurkacz's strong serve and precise game.

Two years ago, the 27-year-old Hurkacz defeated the then world number one Daniil Medvedev in the final in quick succession in just 63 minutes, 6:1 and 6:4. Hurkacz will climb from ninth to seventh in the world rankings after his strong performance at the 31st TERRA WORTMANN OPEN. A new career best.

Zverev, on the other hand, missed his third final in Halle. The Hamburg native lost in three sets to surprise winner Florian Mayer in 2016 and in two sets to record winner Roger Federer in 2017. The 27-year-old could have drawn level with Nicolas Kiefer, who has reached the final of the East-Westphalian grass court tournament three times (two wins). Only Yevgeny Kafelnikov with four finals appearances and Federer (ten tournament wins, three defeats in finals) are ahead of him.

The first set was even for a long time, but not particularly spectacular. Hurkacz's service game at 3:3 was exciting, as he fended off a total of four break chances from Zverev, interrupted by a medical emergency in the stands. It was clear to all spectators that this set could only be decided in a tie-break. And so it was. In the deciding game, Hurkacz served through without humor and ended the match with two aces for 7:2.

Hurkacz was in control at all times in the second set. At the latest after his break to 2:1 (with his first and only break chance of the entire match) it was clear: the service giant Hurkacz would not let the match slip from his grasp. The Pole served 17 aces and when it did come to a rally, he chased the balls precisely into the corners and along the lines. In the direct comparison, Hurkacz won against Zverev for the first time after three previous defeats (all on hard court).