Hubert Hurkacz has something to regret. In the third set he led 5: 4 and served. He did not take advantage of this opportunity. It was a pity, but Dimitrov reached heights in the most difficult moment for him.
This is the first time in Harrocks’ career. Performance in the quarterfinals of the Masters 1000 competition on the ground surface. The tennis player from Wroclaw did not want to stand there and he was still hungry for something. This was especially evident in the first set.
Frustrated, he threw the rocket as something failed and the chance of victory slipped away. He did not go beyond unacceptable limits, but – to himself – he was very nervous. With a score of 2: 3, Dimitrov’s service got a good start to the pole game. He led 30:15. But in that moment he was able to win. After another good performance by Bulger, Harrocks freed the fraud from his hands.
In the last – tenth game – he did not even attack for a moment when he could do nothing against an opponent who played almost exactly. The Bulgarian did not miss a single point. He won the set with a time of 34 minutes 6: 4.
A turning point, early in the set – in the third game, decided the victory of the third tennis player in the world. But Dimitrov was clearly better. He lost only three points in the opening set in his service.
In the second set, Harrocks found a way to overcome the opponent. He calmed down, and his return and patience in the long trade caused Dimitrov to lose his fluency and order.
The Wrocław player already had a break point in the second game. He still couldn’t use it … got another chance to lead 3-2. After a very long transfer, Dimitrov played ball in the car. For the first time in a match, the Hurricanes took the lead in two games.
This is a good moment for the polar game. He gave a rich tennis talent. He received thunderous applause for some plays. He lost only one game – on the opponent’s pace. But he won his game very confidently, 0. for the last one. In the last game he showed a fantastic shortcut.
Harrocks started the third set with the rhythm of the second game – he immediately broke Dimitrov’s serve. But the Bulgarian player came back from the first set. The loss was immediately compensated. The game was tight, reminiscent of two players’ only fight in Indian Wells last year, ending with a tie-break after the third set.
After an equal period of play, it became dangerous for the Hurricanes in the eighth game. He lost 3: 4 and had to defend the break points twice. Efficiently.
Then handed over to Dimitrov. He led 30:15. But Harcogs won all the consecutive points. At 40:30 he came to the ball and he had no right to take it, but took it. Dimitrov is majestic. He praised this beautiful match of the tennis player from Wroclaw.
It’s 5: 4 and the Harks Service. A stressful moment for the pole, however, he lost his nerves and missed the turning point advantage. Dimitrov equalized 5-5 and returned to the lead.
In the last game of the set, Harrocks defended two match balls. Brilliant stroke every time. He led the tie break. Dimitrov became much better at this point. He lost only two points. He won in 2021 just like Indian Wells.
Bulgar’s opponent in the semifinals was Alejandro Davydovich Fokina. The Spanish player is playing a great match. He was in a very tough draw and advanced to the ATP Masters 1000 semifinals for the first time in his career. So far he has beaten Marcos Giron, Novak Djokovic, David Coffin and Taylor Fritz.
Broadcast of the meeting at Bolshoi Sport.
Olgiard Kuviatkovsky
Hubert Hurkacz (Poland, 11) – Grigor Dimitrov (Bulgaria) 4: 6, 6: 3, 6: 7 (2)
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