Hubert Hurkacz’s Incredible Comeback in Montreal: Saving Match Points

Hubert Hurkacz suffered a three-set defeat to Botic van de Zandschulp, losing 6:3, 6:7(4), 5:7 at the tournament in Montreal, according to match reports. The Polish tennis player controlled the opening stages of the match before his opponent mounted a comeback, repeating a historical pattern from their previous meeting at Roland Garros in 2021 where van de Zandschulp also overcame a two-set deficit to win.

Early Dominance and First Set Control by Hurkacz

Hubert Hurkacz started the Montreal fixture strongly, building on earlier victories in the tournament where he defeated Marcos Giron 7:5, 4:6, 6:2 and Alejandro Tabilo 6:4, 7:6(4), as reported by match analysts. After three routine service holds, the fourth game of the opening set brought trouble for Botic van de Zandschulp. Hurkacz converted his opportunity following three break points, sealing the game with a precise lob that drew applause from spectators. According to tournament coverage, the Polish player maintained strong serving statistics and tactical variety throughout the first set, eventually closing it out 6:3 after earlier missing a set point in the eighth game.

Van de Zandschulp Recovery and Second Set Tie-Break

Botic van de Zandschulp turned the momentum in the second set by winning the opening two games during a brief dip in form from Hurkacz. Despite early errors, the competitor capitalized on the opening before committing mistakes that allowed Hurkacz to level the score and secure a subsequent break. Match observers noted that Hurkacz hit deep shots near the baseline to neutralize his opponent’s offense. At 5:4, Hurkacz missed two match points, punctuated by an unusual rally where van de Zandschulp struck the ball while lying on the court, sending it just over the net, followed by a double fault from the Pole that made it 5:5. Van de Zandschulp then claimed the ensuing tie-break 7:4 after winning five consecutive points from a 4-2 deficit.

Deciding Set and Head-to-Head History

In the final set, Botic van de Zandschulp exhibited greater consistency on his serve while Hubert Hurkacz struggled with an unusual tally of double faults, according to on-court reports. Despite defending against break points in tight exchanges, Hurkacz failed to pull away. At 5:4 for the Polish player, van de Zandschulp successfully fought to hold serve, broke the 2021 Wimbledon semifinalist, and subsequently served out the match to seal the 6:3, 6:7(4), 5:7 victory. The result marks Hurkacz’s second career loss to van de Zandschulp following their five-set encounter at the French Open.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the final score between Hubert Hurkacz and Botic van de Zandschulp in Montreal?

Botic van de Zandschulp defeated Hubert Hurkacz 6:3, 6:7(4), 5:7, according to tournament records.

Have Hurkacz and van de Zandschulp played each other before?

Yes, their only previous meeting occurred at Roland Garros in 2021, where van de Zandschulp also won in five sets after trailing by two sets, as noted in match histories.

How did Hurkacz perform in the earlier rounds in Montreal?

Prior to facing van de Zandschulp, Hurkacz defeated Marcos Giron in three sets and Alejandro Tabilo in straight sets, according to event reporting.