ATP Shanghai Rolex Masters: Sebastian Korda vs Hubert Hurkacz Preview, Head-to-Head, and Prediction

The Shanghai Masters has rolled into into the semi-finals and only 4 of the best players in the tournament remain now. While the whole world was eyeing some of the top names in the world to come up and shine in Shanghai, it is the underdogs who have stunned everyone and made their way to the top of the tournament. Now, in an action-packed semi-final, Sebastian Korda will go head-to-head against Hubert Hurkacz.

With both the players eyeing their place in the final, only one question remains. Who among the two can make their way to the top this time at the semi-final of the Shanghai Masters? Is far as historic tallies go, one player certainly seems to have a leg up in the battle.

Sebastian Korda vs Hubert Hurkacz: A preview

Sebastian Korda has been a standout player in this edition of the Shanghai Masters. A name that was not expected to make it to the top has stunned everyone and made it through to the semis. The 26th-seeded player is in the form of his life and at the moment, it indeed looks like he knows no stopping. From defeating title favorite Daniil Medvedev to clinching a jaw-dropping win against big-serving compatriot Ben Shelton, he has made his intention clear. He is gunning for the title.

On the other hand, his rival Hubert Hurkacz has had to struggle for points here in China. Rising to fame after defeating Roger Federer in a massive upset at the 2021 Wimbledon QF, the Pole has struggled to deliver the same big serves, crisp volleys and gigantic forehands. Despite facing unseeded players at the tournament so far, he had to fight tooth and nail to clinch victories.

His recent win against the Hungarian Marozsan was a hard-fought win. After losing the first set 6-4, the Polish player had to buckle up his game. After winning the second set 6-1, the match went into a decider. The Polish saved a break point in the sixth game of the final set before leading 4-3. With just 2 more points to win, he showed his composure and won the match and secured his berth into the semi-finals of the tournament.

Korda vs Hurkacz: head-to-head

Interestingly, the head-to-head tie between the two is tied. The two players have faced off 2 against each other and both have taken home victory once. Their first encounter came back in 2021 at Delray Beach where they faced against each other in the finals. The final was completely one-sided, with Hurkacz winning it comfortably with the scoreline of 6-3, 6-3.

The second encounter came back at the Australian Open this year. The two again faced off against each other in the Round of 16 match. In a match that offered pure thrills, it was Korda who was able to take home a hard-fought victory. The final scoreline of the match was 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 1-6, 7-6, in favor of Korda.

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Prediction: Sebastian Korda to secure a place in the finals

Sebastian Korda will lock horns against Hubert Hurkacz in an epic semi-final clash at the Shanghai Masters. The American player looks in aggressive form and with the win against Ben Shelton and Daniil Medvedev, he would be on cloud nine at would be looking to keep the momentum going, clinching another win and securing the seat in the finals.

When it comes to his first serve, he has pulled in some decent numbers where he has served 25 aces and won around 150 points out of a possible 203.  Thus, this would help him shape his aggressive game in the semi-finals. However, when it comes to Hurkacz, the Polish player would have to put in some extraordinary stuff if he desires to defeat Korda.

Korda is in red-hot form at the moment and with the way he is playing, he looks in top contention to win the match and secure his place in the finals of the Shanghai Rolex Masters. Who do you think will win this encounter? Do let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

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