Hubert Hurkacz has captured his fifth ATP Tour title by brushing aside Daniil Medvedev in straight sets at the Terra Wortmann Open in Halle.
The world No.12 was in clinical form throughout his blistering 62-minute 6-1, 6-4, win over the US Open champion. Making it Hurkacz’s most comprehensive win over Medvedev in what was their sixth meeting. In Halle he hit a total of 24 winners against just seven unforced errors and won 86% of his first service points. The triumph has secured Hurkacz’s re-entry in the world’s top 10 on Monday.
“I’m very happy with the win. It is such a great crowd here (in Halle),” the new champion said afterwards.
“Daniil is an unbelieveable player. He is the best player in the world. It’s very tricky to play against him with all the right shots which went my way at the beginning. I definitely gained momentum from that.” He added.
Coming into the final, Medvedev had been in stellar form when it came to serving. In his four previous matches he had saved a total of 22 break points out of the 23 he faced. However, it was a different story against a fired up Hurkacz who had already beaten Medvedev earlier in the season in Miami. The Pole was in blistering form from the onset as he raced through the opening set in less than 30 minutes after winning the first five games. Breaking the top seed twice in a row with some thunderous hitting. Even a brief pause in the match at 5-0 (30-0) due to a pitch invasion failed to disrupt his momentum.
Hurkacz’s onslaught continued into the second frame against his frustrated opponent. A delicate lob followed by a backhand volley enabled him to break once again at the start. It was at this point when Medvedev’s coach, Gilles Cervara, departed from the stands after seeing enough.
Ironically the match got more competitive following Cervara’s departure with the Russian finally gathering some consistency in his shotmaking. Best illustrated by when he was down 2-4 and faced two break points before winning flour points in a row to stay within contention.
Although Medvedev’s form was still not at a level high enough to derail Hurkacz. A game away from winning his first ATP 500 title, he worked his way to championship point after a Medvedev backhand landed beyond the baseline. However, he was unable to convert thanks to some speedy Medvedev serving as the world No.1 held serve. In the following game, a winning serve and volley granted him two more opportunities. He prevailed on his third attempt with a backhand volley at the net.
“I’m super excited. I have been waiting a little bit for my first title this year. I’m happy to win my first 500 title and on the grass it is very special,” said Hurkacz.
As for Medvedev it is the second week in a row he has finished runner-up after s-Hertogenbosch. He is yet to win a trophy of any kind since winning his first Grand Slam in New York last September.
“Sorry for not making this match a bit longer and more interesting but it has been a very nice week (for me),” Medvedev said to the crowd. “Even yesterday playing the German guy (in the semi-finals) I felt a lot of support. It really means a lot to me.”
Hurkacz has become only the seventh player in the Open Era to have triumphed in their first five ATP Tour-level finals. Other players to have achieved the accolade include Thomas Enqvist, Ernests Gulbis and Carlos Alcaraz.