This year’s ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Rome is highly significant for Hubert Hurkacz as he aims to return to peak form after health issues and fight for a seeded position in the upcoming Roland Garros. A crucial step in this direction was his victory in the second round, where Hurkacz came back from a 2:5 deficit in the second set to defeat Pedro Martinez 6:2, 7:5. This win secured his continued participation in the Italian tournament, where he reached the quarterfinals last year.
Following his victory against Martinez, the 31st-ranked player in the world withdrew from the ATP Challenger 175 tournament in Turin, initially entered only as a backup plan. Today, Hurkacz faced Marcos Giron in the fourth round. Giron, currently ranked 45th, had previously defeated US Open 2024 finalist Taylor Fritz.
The match commenced with Hurkacz serving strongly, similar to his earlier match against Martinez. He quickly led 2:0 after breaking Giron’s serve, establishing an early advantage. Although Giron fought back, Hurkacz maintained control and took the first set 6:3, showcasing an impressive performance.
In the second set, however, Giron elevated his game, breaking Hurkacz’s serve and dominating the set to claim a 6:1 victory. The turning point came during the break, as Hurkacz returned with renewed vigor, quickly taking charge in the third set. He won the first nine points, ultimately securing victory with a final score of 6:1, 3:6, 6:1.
This performance demonstrated Hurkacz’s skill and determination, as he won 26 out of 33 points played in the decisive third set. With this win, he advances to face Jakub Mensik, the Miami Open champion, in the quarterfinals on Tuesday, a promising matchup that could provide Hurkacz with a significant opportunity to build momentum as he aims for success in the upcoming Grand Slam events.
Hurkacz’s journey reflects resilience and the potential for a strong comeback, leaving fans hopeful for his continued success in the tournament and beyond.