Hubert Hurkacz had a very nerve-wracking match against James Duckworth in the Rolex Paris Masters quarterfinal. The match was extremely close but eventually, the Polish player was able to rise above and overcome his opponent in three sets. That win was a significant one for the Pole as it officially qualified him for the ATP Finals in Turin.
It's a dream come true for Hurkacz who said after the match:
“It feels incredible. Obviously going to Turin is a dream. Growing up as a kid, seeing all those top guys playing in the Finals, it’s inspiring. Now being among them, it’s very special because it’s just eight spots there, so it’s not that easy to get there.”
For Hurkacz the 2021 season has been a great one. He was able to break into the top 10, win his maiden ATP 1000 trophy in Miami as well as now secure a spot at the Finals. It did not go unnoticed in Poland and Hurkacz admitted that he is getting a lot of support from his countrymen:
"I'm getting so much support, especially from other athletes... I'm privileged to be in this position, and I hope I am making Poland a little proud. Interest [in tennis] is growing in Poland also with Iga [Swiatek], who is in the WTA Finals, so it's amazing to have both players at the high level. Hopefully we will have a lot more guys and girls join the top soon."