Having eliminated world runner-up Daniao Medvedev in the quarter-finals, Hurkacz may seem to have faced the toughest of things in Florida behind him. However, the almost 19-year-old Alcaraz is pushing more and more boldly to world leaders.
See also: Elina Switolina breaks the season. “My body can’t take it anymore”
Two weeks ago, the famous Rafael Nadal stopped his young compatriot only in the semi-finals. This time Alcaraz has taken a step forward and on Sunday will have the opportunity to become the youngest-ever winner of the tournament in Miami.
In the first group, both tennis players were great primarily with their serve. Hurkacz sent up to seven aces (Alcaraz two), but the pole problem was too many easy fouls.
In the eighth match only Hurkacz had the opportunity to break, but the Spaniard saved the breaking point. But in the 11th minute, the Pole was in trouble, but Alcaraz missed two chances.
In the tiebreak Hurkacz was already 5-3 up and serving. However, he again missed forehands in a very difficult situation, thanks to which the opponent compensated for the small inning. Alcaraz scored three more points and was able to enjoy the set he won. Frustrated, Hurkacz threw the racket against the court.
The path of the second group was very similar. Also, no one was able to break the opponent. Alcaraz got a chance in the second half, while Hurkacz scored two goals in the eleventh. But this time, the tiebreak was less tight. The Spaniard quickly advanced 4-1, and after a moment used the ball for the first match.
The first meeting of these tennis players lasted 122 minutes. In total, Hurkacz sent 13 aces (Alcaraz three), but made as many as 37 unforced errors against 21 of his opponent. A worse result in Miami compared to last year means Hurkacs will drop in the world rankings, possibly to 14th.
For the consolation of 25-year-old Wroclaw, he reached the final of the doubles, where he performed with American John Isner. On Saturday, their opponents will be Dutch sixth seed Wesley Koolhoff and Britain’s Neil Skopsky.
Alcaraz’s last competitor is ranked sixth, Casper Rudd. A few hours ago, the Norwegian tennis player beat Argentine Francisco Cerondolo 6: 4, 6: 1.
This will be the second meeting of tennis players in history. Last year, Alcaraz finished first in the quarter-finals of the tournament in Marbella. The Norwegian will have a chance to win the eighth ATP Championship in his career, and the Spaniard with the third. Neither of them has won the Masters 1000.
The results of the semi-finals of the ATP Championships in Miami:
Carlos Alcaraz (Spain, 14) – Hubert Hurkacz (Poland, 8) 7:6 (7-5), 7:6 (7-2)
Casper Ruud (Norway 6) beat Francisco Cerondolo (Argentina) 6-4, 6-1.
RM, PAP
Go to Polsatsport.pl
“Bacon scholar. Incurable social media ninja. Professional travel aficionado. Beer buff.”
