Hubert Hurkacz Triumphs in Shanghai Masters Final

Hubert Hurkacz is the 2023 Rolex Shanghai Masters champion, defeating Andrey Rublev in a third-set tiebreak to file a 6-3, 3-6, 7-6(8) victory en path to his second profession Masters 1000 title.

Whereas each males couldn’t be extra completely different of their on-court personas, it was a battle of two heavy hitters; nonetheless, finally, the Pole’s serve made the distinction, preserving him inside touching distance each time Rublev threatened to tug away within the third set tie break.

The victory sees Hurkacz preserve alive his hopes of qualifying for the ATP Finals in Turin; he’s 11 within the race, however solely 335 factors off eighth spot.

Whereas unlikely to supply him a lot solace after the ultimate loss, Rublev is sitting fairly in fifth spot and warranted of a spot on the season-ending championships.

Shanghai Masters 2023 Closing Outcome

shanghai rolex 2023

Winner
Loser
Scoreline

Hubert Hurkacz (16)
Andrey Rublev (5)
6-3, 3-6, 7-6(8)

Fast Match Recap

rublev shanghai

There was little to separate each males on this one, with breakpoints onerous to come back by, and it boiled all the way down to a few factors within the tiebreak.

Briefly, it received’t be an all-time basic remaining, as each gamers dominated behind their serves. Hurkacz broke Rublev in the course of the primary set to take it, however Rublev elevated his depth within the second set and capitalised on a big drop in his opponent’s first-serve proportion (from 90% to 57%).

The decisive third set was carefully contested, with just one break level for every participant.

Rublev appeared stronger in rallies and exchanges. Nonetheless, a essential breakpoint got here towards him at 4-5, nearly costing him the match. He additionally had a heated dialogue with a photographer, whom he believed had disrupted play. Nonetheless, he regrouped mentally and saved the match level with a challenged ace that hardly clipped the road.

The match reached its climax within the remaining tiebreak. Rublev took a commanding 5-2 lead, however Hurkacz made a comeback, forcing errors together with his highly effective serves.

Hurkacz saved a match level at 6-5 with an ace, then the Pole missed two match factors at 7-6 and 8-7 on his serve however finally secured victory at 9-8 after an extended rally the place Rublev netted a forehand.

As you possibly can see from the match stats, Rublev received extra factors and had that 5-2 lead within the tiebreak, so I believe he in all probability ought to have gotten the job completed, particularly after saving the match level at 4-5 within the third set. Nonetheless, Hurkacz was rock regular all through, and he’s acquired a wonderful defence for somebody his top.

It was such a battle. Particularly emotionally. I had a match level and Andrey hit an incredible serve after which he had a match level after which I had some match factors. It was backwards and forwards and such a tough match. Andrey was enjoying some nice pictures. I used to be making an attempt to reply. It was a type of matches and I saved believing and I’m tremendous pleased with how I managed on the finish. It’s such an enormous match and a lot custom. It’s a enormous occasion and I’m actually completely happy now. Hurkacz on profitable his maiden Shanghai title.