Shanghai Success Takes Backseat for Polish Heartthrob as He Gets Real About a Glaring Issue Bothering His ATP Peers

The Polish tennis fans must be on cloud nine. What a month this has been for them in China! A week ago, Iga Swiatek clinched her fifth title of the season in the China Open and now Hubert Hurkacz triumphs in the Shanghai Masters. However, Hurkacz looked a bit disappointed with the recent changes in the tournament. Let us find out why.

The world number 11 defeated the current world number 5, Andrey Rublev-6-3,3-6,7-6(8) in a dramatic final in Shanghai. With this win, Hurkacz secured his second ATP Masters 1000 in his career. This was an emotional battle for the Polish, but even behind the happiness on his face, there was a feeling of exhaustion. Exhaustion of long rallies and extended tournaments. Hurkacz is not a fan of extended Masters 1000 draws. Here’s what he said about it.

Hubert Hurkacz speaks his mind after his victory in the Shanghai Masters

In June last year, ATP chairman Andrea Gaundenzi announced that from 2023, the two European clay court events will be extended. It will become 12-day & 96 players draw from 8-day & 56 players draw. As a result, the Shanghai Masters got extended this year. The authorities claim it to be a part of ATP’s ‘OneVision‘ strategic plan. This announcement will surely take the sport to a new level demanding more fitness, more effort and fight a longer battle to get a bite at the cherry.

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For fans, it’s ecstatic to see the top players perform a bit longer, but for players, it’s really tough. Djokovic, Murray along with many other players expressed their disappointment over this announcement. Now the winner of Shanghai Masters 2023 joins the list. Here’s what he said about this.

“Now they are a little longer events. I really enjoy being here, but I liked the draws as they were before, with around 54 players. I think they were incredible draws. Now it is even more difficult to win these types of events. There are 96 players. Everyone wants to win, battle & compete, “ Hurkacz said in his interview.

The 26-year-old didn’t look happy at all with this decision. Even the world number one, couldn’t find a logic of this extension when they already play four Grand Slams a year. Djokovic feels this will make players tired before Grand Slams and can prove costly if the schedules aren’t set right. Besides such controversies, Poland’s tennis new icon in Men’s got a congratulatory message from world number 2 in Women’s. 

Hurkacz gets a nod from his compatriot

Iga Swiatek congratulated Hubert Hurkacz for his win in the epic 2-hour 9-minute clash in the finals. Huber Hurkacz is known for his fiery serves. He utilized his weapon to its fullest capacity by firing down 21 aces and won 81% (57/70) of his first serve points. As time went on, Rublev got frustrated as Hurkacz refused to back down even from the positions which looked in favor of the Russian. Hurkacz has hit a staggering amount of aces this season, which is almost close to 900. It’s far from anyone’s reach and also the highest anyone has hit this season. Surely, he isn’t stopping any sooner.

After the victory lap at Red Dragon’s den, now Hubi sets his eyes on the Nitto ATP Finals. It’s going to be held in Turin from 12 November onwards. Poland is slowly making its mark on the map of the tennis world, thanks to these flag bearers. Now, as Iga looks to get back her top spot Hurkacz will look to end this year on a high note by carrying forward his current form. Do you think Hubi can leap into the top 10 next year?

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