Hubert Hurkacz faced a unique challenge in his recent match at the French Open, contending not only with his opponent, Denis Shapovalov, but also with unpredictable weather conditions. Despite these hurdles, Hurkacz emerged victorious. After a near 24-hour delay due to rain, Hurkacz resumed and ultimately won the match 6-3, 7-6(0), 4-6, 6-1, securing his spot in the fourth round. This achievement ties his personal best performance at Roland Garros.
A Two-Day Marathon
The match began on Friday and was repeatedly interrupted by rain. With the score at 6-3, 7-6(0), 2-1, officials decided to postpone the match to the following day. Saturday presented its own set of challenges as rain delays continued, affecting the schedule of other matches as well. Eventually, the match was moved to an indoor court, allowing Hurkacz and Shapovalov to continue their battle after more than a day’s delay.
Overcoming Setbacks
Upon resumption, Hurkacz quickly broke Shapovalov’s serve, leading 3-1. However, his game faltered shortly after, resulting in four consecutive lost games. Hurkacz struggled to construct points and relied on his opponent’s errors. Despite improving slightly, he could not reclaim the third set, which ended 6-4 in favor of Shapovalov.
Dominant in the Fourth Set
There were concerns about Hurkacz’s form heading into the fourth set, but he dispelled these worries by dominating Shapovalov, winning five consecutive games. His opponent’s impatience and poor decision-making played into Hurkacz’s hands, enabling him to clinch the match decisively.
Looking Ahead
Reaching the fourth round marks Hurkacz’s best performance at the French Open, matching his achievement from 2022. He now prepares to face the winner of the match between Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov and Zizou Bergs. The upcoming match is expected to take place on Sunday, where Hurkacz will aim to continue his impressive run at Roland Garros.
