Hubert Hurkacz and Andrey Rublev main movers in ATP Race to Turin

The end of the 2023 Shanghai Open left Andrey Rublev and Hubert Hurkacz as the main beneficiaries, both with chances to qualify for the ATP Finals in Turin.

The penultimate Masters 1000 of the year was full of surprises in its final stages. In addition to Novak Djokovic's absence, the top seeds failed to capitalize on their favoritism, and only Andrey Rublev (5th seed) reached the quarterfinals.

Rublev took advantage of his opportunities and advanced to the final, where he faced a rejuvenated Hubert Hurkacz, who found his best form in months to win his second Masters 1000 title in his career, adding to his 2021 Miami Open victory.

The final between Rublev and Hurkacz was a thrilling match with both players saving several match points against them, ultimately decided in the third-set tiebreak in favor of the Polish player, who claimed the title with a score of 6-3, 3-6, 7-6(8).

Hurkacz expressed his joy after the win, saying, "I mean, just an amazing week here in Shanghai. I really enjoyed it here with the team, but ultimately, we just want to get better every single day and improve, enjoy those moments, but we're just going to try our best and then just keep fighting and keep competing."

Rublev is almost assured of his spot in the ATP Finals, which he has competed in three consecutive times. The world No. 5 is less than 300 points away from surpassing the qualification threshold and is over 1,300 points ahead of the ninth player in the Race, Taylor Fritz.

As for Hurkacz, he was practically ruled out of the Finals, which he previously participated in during 2021. The Polish player was ranked only 18th, but his title in Shanghai allowed him to move up to the 11th position.

Former world No. 9 could reach the Finals if he manages to surpass Holger Rune, who is currently the last player to qualify and has a little over 300 points ahead of Hurkacz. The Polish player has two tournaments left to secure the first spot: the ATP 500 Basel Open and the last Masters 1000 in Paris-Bercy.