Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz has become the first player from his country to win a Masters 1000 title after defeating an erratic Jannik Sinner in straight sets at the Miami Open.
The 26th seed held his nerve to dismiss his 19-year-old opponent 7-6(4), 6-4, in what was only his third final on the ATP Tour. His triumph completes what has been a dream tournament for Hurkacz who also defeated top 10 players Stefanos Tsitsipas and Andrey Rublev earlier in the week.
“It feels incredible. It’s tough for me to say anything now but I’m so happy,” Hurkacz told TennisTV afterwards.
With a combined age of 43 years and 81 days the showdown was the youngest men’s final to take place in Miami since Andy Murray’s clash with Novak Djokovic back in 2009. Hurkacz, who is only the second polish man to contest a Masters final after Jerzy Janowicz, started the stronger out of the two. Taking advantage of a nerve-stricken Sinner opening service game he broke en route to opening up a 3-0 lead with relative ease.
However, the lead was short lived as the Italian teenager battled back to draw level with his form elevating. Hitting some thunderous forehand shots the 21st seed continued to weather the storm during what was a roller coaster opening set with both players having advantages. Sinner looked to be on the verge of clinching the first set after a 88 mph backhand winner rewarded him with two break point opportunities which he converted to nudge ahead 6-5. Although he failed to serve it out as Hurkacz broke back to love to take proceedings into a tiebreaker.
It would be Sinner’s unforced errors that would cost him dearly. A forehand shank, followed by another shot going long enabled the Pole to move ahead to 5-2 in the tiebreak and this time it was enough of a margin to see him over the finish line. Hurkacz went on to clinch the set with the help of Sinner’s 28th unforced error of the match after 59 minutes of play.
Continuing his momentum into the second frame, the world No.37 broke instantly as he edged nearer to the biggest title of his career. Mentally, he was the superior one the court at the Hard Rock Stadium as his younger rival began to implode. Who showed signs of physical fatigue during the closing stages.
Sinner continued to battle until the very end as nerves started to trouble Hurkacz. Resulting in his 4-0 lead in the second set being slashed to 4-3. Nevertheless, the resurgence wasn’t enough to change the dynamic of the match as Hurkacz served the match out a couple games later. Sealing the win with the help of another mistake from across the court.
“That was a huge game (4-3). I was a little bit nervous. I had opportunities to get a triple break to serve for it. Then Jannik started to hit the ball really well,” the new champion reflected.
“He’s an amazing competitor and I’m so happy that I was able to come through it.”
Hurkacz is now 10-0 this season when playing matches in Florida after also winning the Delray Beach Open at the start of the season. He believes his run in wins is linked to last season where he took an extended training block in the region with his coach. He has been mentored by Craig Boynton since 2009.
“Last year I spent almost half a year practising in the hottest weather because it was like spring and summer here (in Florida). I think that helped me a lot, especially in these pretty tough conditions because it was a little bit slow. The wind was blowing from side to side,” he said.
Following his victory, Hurkacz will rise to 16th in the ATP rankings when they are updated on Monday. The highest ranking position in his career so far.
