The second to last Masters 1000 of this season has come to an end. The Shanghai Masters completed its first run under the new schedule. Hubert Hurkacz won his second Masters 1000 title as he defeated Andrey Rublev 6-3, 3-6, 7-6(8) in two hours and six minutes. Rublev had his chances in the final set tiebreak and was completely furious after losing the final point.
The Russian gave his best while shooting winners from his backhand and forehand. Hurkacz’s defensive slices kept getting better towards the end of the match. He, too, tried to retrieve every hard-hitting groundstroke. In the end, Rublev kept hitting his racket on his leg. Fans were a bit worried for the Russian as it looked painful. “That’s gotta be hurt,” commented a fan after watching Rublev’s frustration.
That’s gotta be hurt..
— Wellyrrad (@darryllew) October 15, 2023
Chokester, can’t control his nerves
— Philly Circus Show (@phillytrashteam) October 15, 2023
Rublev get emotional issues…always yelling at his coach too https://t.co/6yLBorrBfv
— Temi 💎 (@temi_lade1) October 15, 2023
Fans were saying that the world No.7 had emotional issues as he kept shouting at his coach after losing the points. It was Rublev’s third loss at a Masters 1000 final, and he lost his chance to win a second title at this level. He will now need to perform the same in the upcoming events to seal his place at the Nitto ATP Finals. Meanwhile, Hurkacz’s chances of qualification have shot up with his win in Shanghai.
Hubert Hurkacz seeking second chance at ATP Finals
The Nitto ATP finals still have four spots left to fill. Hurkacz has now jumped to the 11th spot and is only 335 points behind Holger Rune, who is in the eighth spot. The Polish player currently has 2775 points. He can qualify if Taylor Fritz and Casper Ruud exit early in the next few weeks. Hurkacz will need to keep an eye on Rune, who can take the final spot if he finds his form.
The 26-year-old had qualified for the Nitto ATP Finals for the first time in 2021. He had reached the semifinals at Paris Masters, which ensured him a place in the event. Hurkacz lost all three of his group matches in 2021, and this time, he will try to get his first win at the Nitto ATP Finals. There are still three Masters 500 events left and one Masters 1000, which will be in Paris.
2-time Masters 1000 champion 🏆🏆
In a tense battle and saving a championship point, it’s Hubert Hurkacz who prevails over Andrey Rublev to claim the title in Shanghai
6-3 3-6 7-6
Will be world #11 since tomorrow, now in the battle for one of the last spots in the ATP Finals pic.twitter.com/18U5n0kca1
— Mario Boccardi (@marioboc17) October 15, 2023
Hurkacz is next planning to play at the ATP Japan Open, which will begin on the 16th of October. The world No.17, along with Fritz and Ruud, will feature in the event. The last four spots will be filled in the next three weeks. Hurkacz needs to play well in Tokyo to get a second chance at the Nitto ATP Finals.