Hubert Hurkacz is back in the big leagues! The World No. 21 delivered a thrilling comeback victory against Andrey Rublev in the Rotterdam Open quarter-finals, 6-7, 6-3, 6-4, securing his first ATP 500 semi-final since June 2024.
The two-hour, 24-minute battle showcased peak-level tennis, with Hurkacz overcoming the World No. 10 in a gritty, high-powered match to notch his fourth career win over Rublev in six meetings.
Rublev Starts Strong, But Hurkacz Fights Back 💥
Rublev drew first blood in the match, taking the opening set in a tense tie-breaker. The fiery Russian used his deep returns to break Hurkacz early in the second game, maintaining control to lead 4-2. However, Hurkacz showed his signature resilience, breaking back in the seventh game with a stunning forehand down-the-line winner.
Despite a 5-2 lead in the tie-break, Hurkacz crumbled under pressure, missing a routine volley at 5-5 and ultimately losing the set 7-6.
Hurkacz Turns the Tide in the Second Set 🌊
With his back against the wall, Hurkacz elevated his serve and baseline game in the second set. Though Rublev fought hard, saving four break points early on, the Pole finally broke through in the eighth game to take a crucial 5-3 lead.
He sealed the set in dominant fashion with an ace, forcing a decisive third set.
Decisive Final Set—Hurkacz Holds His Nerve 🔥
The final set saw both players go toe-to-toe, holding serve through the first six games. Hurkacz pounced in the seventh game, breaking Rublev with another forehand winner down the line to go up 4-3.
But the drama wasn’t over. Rublev roared back, generating three break points in the eighth game—only for Hurkacz to erase them all with clutch winners.
Rublev held at 5-4, but Hurkacz refused to blink, closing out the match with a backhand error from the Russian.
🏆 Final Score: Hurkacz def. Rublev 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-4
What’s Next for Hurkacz? 🚀
With this huge top-10 victory, Hurkacz books a spot in the Rotterdam semi-finals, where he will face either Jannik Sinner or Alex de Minaur.
A win in the semis would mark his first ATP final since winning the 2023 Shanghai Masters. Can he keep this run going and claim the Rotterdam crown?
