Hubert Hurkacz, the Polish tennis star, is one step away from securing his second Halle Open title after a dominant semi-final victory over home favourite Alexander Zverev. Hurkacz, known for his powerful serve, unleashed 17 aces and saved four break points to overcome Zverev, who had triumphed in their previous three encounters.
“It needed to be really good. He is such a good competitor and is playing good tennis, reaching the final at the French (Open) and playing at a really high level,” Hurkacz acknowledged after the match. “I am really confident on my serve, I’m serving really good. There were some moments but I managed to believe in my game and hit some good serves and good shots, so I stayed pretty calm. I really love grass. The surface suits my game and the atmosphere here, having the full crowd is incredible.”
Hurkacz’s victory sets up a thrilling final against his doubles partner and current world number one, Jannik Sinner. Sinner, in pursuit of his first grasscourt title, overcame the challenge of China’s Zhang Zhizhen in another hard-fought semi-final. This victory marks Sinner’s 18th career final appearance and his first on grass.
“It’s going to be very even, he plays so well on this surface. He’s won here, he knows this occasion really well,” Sinner said about facing Hurkacz in the final, just three days after their doubles quarterfinal exit. “I’m excited, I’m going to enjoy tomorrow. Every time you play a final it’s a huge pleasure and honour. He’s serving really well, it’s very, very tough to break him.”
The final promises a captivating clash between two of the world’s top players. Hurkacz, riding high on his impressive run at Halle, will be eager to claim his second title. Sinner, meanwhile, will be looking to make history as the first player to win his first event after ascending to the top of the rankings since Andy Murray in 2016. The stage is set for an unforgettable showdown on the grass courts of Halle.
