Hurkacz sends Murray packing from Western & Southern Open
Hubert Hurkacz takes out Andy Murray in straight sets at the Cincinnati Masters on Wednesday. Hurkacz remains undefeated on U.S. soil in 2021.
MIAMI GARDENS, FL – APRIL 04: Hubert Hurkacz (POL) wins the men’s finals of the Miami Open on April 4, 2021, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida
Hubert Hurkacz continued his fine form with a 7-6(4), 6-3 victory over Andy Murray in round two of the Western & Southern Open on Wednesday afternoon. Hurkacz set up a showdown with Pablo Carreno Busta after prevailing in one hour and 42 minutes.
It was a high-quality affair from start to finish. Murray by no means played a bad match — he finished with more winners (21) than unforced errors (19) — but did not have enough against a red-hot opponent. Hurkacz almost doubled his error count (18) with winners (35).
“Playing against Murray is something special,” the 13th-ranked Pole assured. “I had never had that chance to play a match against him. He’s such a great competitor; what he has done for the sport is really amazing. He’s such a great player and person. It was a very big win for me.
“My serve helped me a lot and I stayed calm as well in the tougher moments. I competed pretty well today.”
Hurkacz always seems to compete well in the United States. In fact, he is now 12-0 on U.S. soil this season — with titles in Delray Beach and Miami. The 24-year-old’s 2021 campaign also includes a Wimbledon semi-final run and a quarter-final appearance last week in Toronto.
Carreno Busta eases into last 16
Thursday’s contest between Hurkacz and Carreno Busta should be a great one, because the Spaniard is also riding a wave of confidence. Carreno Busta was the bronze medalist at the Tokyo Olympics and he had no trouble against Dominik Koepfer on Wednesday in Cincinnati.
“It’s going to be an interesting match,” Hurkacz commented. “Pablo is a great player; he’s had some amazing results. It’s going to be fun.”
