Rublev, Hurkacz Reach Shanghai Masters Final

Andrey Rublev ousted good friend Grigor Dimitrov 7-6(7), 6-3 to reach the Shanghai Masters final.

Rublev had to rally saving a set point in the first, then coming fun 0-2 down in the second to win six of the last seven games.

“It’s not easy when you win matches against friends, because you feel both sides,” Rublev told the ATP. “You feel sad, but at the same time you want to win. It’s a mix of feelings.”

Rublev reaches his 4th Masters final and overall his 23rd championship match.

Earlier, Hubert Hurkacz eased into his third career Masters final besting American 26 seed Sebastian Korda 6-3, 6-4.

“I’m just really happy with my performance today,” said Hurkacz to the ATP. “I was serving well, playing some good groundstrokes and definitely putting pressure on Sebi from the ground.”

The 26-year-old Hurkacz hammered 14 aces, never faced a break point and was 2-of-4 on break chances.

The Polish No. 1 earned breaks for 4-2 and to start the second to pace the victory.

“I’m working on being difficult to play against,” said Hurkacz. “It’s the same with every opponent. They try to come out with their best foot forward that day and they’re trying to [implement] their tactics or plan against you. You’ve just got to stay mentally strong and really battle.”

Hurkacz moves into his 8th career final. He is seeking his 7th career title and second at the Masters level after 2021 Miami. He is an impressive 6-1 in finals.

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