Sebastian Korda and Hubert Hurkacz will clash on Wednesday in a treat of a final in Delray Beach.
The youngster Korda has been the talk of the tournament this week (along with a resurgent Christian Harrison). Korda is ranked 119th in the world, a 100-spot rankings jump following a round of 16 showing at the French Open in October. The 20-year-old dispatched a parade of higher-ranked opponents to earn his spot in this Delray Beach final, including No. 2 seed John Isner in the quarters.
Korda’s opponent, Hurkacz, is the world No. 35. The Pole has breezed through the draw this week; hhasn’t dropped a set but also hasn’t faced an opponent ranked inside the top 100. Of course, Korda isn’t ranked inside the top 100 either–but he’s playing like the future big-tournament champion that he seems poised to become.
Korda has played well, if slightly inconsistently in Delray Beach. The American has been showing flashes of brilliance, deft touch, and impressive movement for a 6’5″ man. His tennis was scratchy in his first match against Soonwoo Kwon, but he’s gotten better with each win.
Hurkacz’s stroll to the final was so comfortable that it’s more difficult to tell whether he is in great form or if he just hasn’t been tested enough. Fortunately for fans, Korda has enough game to do just that. As this match will be Korda’s first-ever final, Hurkacz will definitely tick the “experience” box; Korda gets a check in the “hot streak” column.
Whichever player ends up with the BMW and the trophy, this should be a gem of a final.
Cheryl pick: Korda in 3
Ricky pick: Hurkacz in 3
WWW?
korda to lift the trophy!
If it comes down to who wants it more, I’m going with Korda.
Hurkacz with ease 6-4 6-2
Korda only won 6 games, you were right on the money!
Love me some Hurkacz here. Bet $300 on him. Just think he will get too many easy points off that serve and I’m almost positive this match means a lot more to somebody like him than the 20 year old in Korda.