WINSTON-SALEM, NC — Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz won his maiden ATP title at the Winston-Salem Open in the summer’s final warm-up tournament before the US Open.
Staying patient throughout rain delays and power outages in Winston-Salem, Hurkacz was able to maintain his focus the entire week.
After coming back from a set down in his opening match, Hurkacz cruised past Feliciano López, setting up one of the best matches of the tournament in the quarterfinals against Frances Tiafoe (USA).
Although Hurkacz fired 19 aces in the match, he was most impressive in his return game against the American, converting on 5 of 6 break point opportunities in a come-from-behind three set victory.
A couple hours later, Hurkacz took the court again for his semifinal match against Denis Shapovalov (CAN). Having to play two matches in the same day due to weather, Hurkacz showed no signs of fatigue, advancing in straight sets to his first ATP final.
His first experience in a championship match at the professional level proved to be memorable, as the Pole defeated top-seeded Benoit Paire (FRA) in his third three-set match of the tournament to lift the trophy.
"It is a huge win for me today,” said Hurkacz, who is the first player from his country in 37 years to win an ATP title. "I had to fight a lot but I am so excited that I lifted my first trophy here."
Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz won his maiden ATP title at the Winston-Salem Open in the summer’s final warm-up tournament before the US Open.
Staying patient throughout rain delays and power outages in Winston-Salem, Hurkacz was able to maintain his focus the entire week.