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Hubert Hurkacz was commended by three-time winner Jo-Wilfried Tsonga after the Pole beat Benjamin Bonzi in the Open 13 Provence final in Marseille on Sunday (February 26).
It wasn't a flawless performance from the top seed, but Hurkacz raised his level when it mattered most. After taking the opening set 6-3, a more competitive second ensued.
Bonzi, though, rued squandering three set points at 6-5 as Hurkacz fought back to force a tie-break, which he won to claim his first title of the year and sixth overall.
The World No. 11 sent down an impressive 19 aces and won an impressive 93 percent of first serve points (41/44). He thus ended a triumphant week in Marseille with a tournament-leading 72 aces.
Following Hurkacz's first Open 13 Provence title, three-time winner Tsonga, who handed the trophy to the Pole, tweeted:
"Congrats Hubert Hurkacz for being now part of the long history of the Open 13"
A gracious Hurkacz replied:
"It was a privilege to share this moment with you."
Tsonga won the Open 13 Provence title in 2019, 2013, and 2017 and was a runner-up in 2014. Meanwhile. Hurkacz now improves to 10-4 on the season.
The Pole will next head to the Dubai Tennis Championships next week, where he will open his campaign against 2017 winner Andy Murray.
"I’m super happy with the way I competed today" - Hubert Hurkacz
Hubert Hurkacz was pleased with his level of play in the Marseille final, especially for upping the ante in the decisive moments. He said after his win over Bonzi:
“I think my game is getting better. I’m super happy with the way I competed today. I was able to come up with some good shots and good serves in the important moments, so I’m really happy with that.”
The Pole was also complimentary of Bonzi, congratulating his opponent for a fine week.
“I’m super happy today. Congrats to Benjamin, he played really well. I think he deserved to win the second set. I just tried to compete as hard as I can. … He’s been playing really well this year and for sure he’s going to get a title very soon.”
Bonzi fell short in his second straight ATP singles final after falling to Tallon Griekspoor in the Tata Open title match in Pune last month. He said:
“It was a good week. Unfortunately, today was not the win. He was playing very well. He was serving too good for me today. I tried to put pressure on the second set to go to a decider and see what happens. But he was too strong."
Despite the win, Hurkacz will remain at No. 11 in the ATP rankings.
