Pablo Carreno Busta is the new National Bank Open champion. The Spaniard won his first career Masters 1000 tournament on Sunday with a three-set victory over Hubert Hurkacz.
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Carreno Busta won 3-6, 6-3 and 6-3 against the Pole, tenth racket in the world. Contrary to what some fans and observers may think, the match was worthy of a tournament final.
“It was an incredible week from start to finish, mentioned Pablo Carreno Busta, who was playing his 52nd appearance in a Masters 1000 tournament. I managed to play good tennis throughout the tournament. »
The 23rd player in the world did not really realize what he had just accomplished. He was looking for his words to express his joy. On the other hand, he had good words for Eugène Lapierre in his thanks.
“Eugene, thank you for your organization. We felt like home this week,” he said.
Carreno Busta and Hurkacz played a high level duel even if they remained on the ground very late on Saturday evening. Carreno Busta finished his semi-final match around 11:15 p.m. while Hurkacz completed his doubles match around 2 a.m.
It didn’t show too much in their performance.
Spectacular exchange
There were several long exchanges between the finalists. This has been Carreno Busta’s trademark over the past week.
He forced his opponent to play his match style especially in the last two sets. Above all, the Spaniard had the resilience to overcome the challenges proposed by Hurkacz.
The best proof came in the third round. With a 3-2 lead, Carreno Busta and Hurkacz engaged in a spectacular exchange. During the streak, the Spaniard never gave up even though he was caught on the wrong foot twice. He ended up with his fist in the air.
“I only tried to keep the ball inside the lines of the field, explained Carreno Busta. I ran as fast as I can towards the back of the field. I knew his lob was going to be inside the lines.
“It was an incredible point. It has been very good for my confidence. »
The begining of the end
It was the beginning of the end for Hurkacz. He no longer had the legs to get back into the game and win it.
However, the meeting had started well for the Pole. He won the first set with a break in the sixth game. He looked like the Hurkacz who had dominated Casper Ruud in the last two rounds of the semi-final.
Carreno Busta followed suit in the second set. He got a quick break to get the upper hand. From that moment, he found his bearings.
“I gained confidence after my break,” confirmed Carreno Busta. I felt like I could win this game. After losing the first run, I stayed positive and continued to give my best.
“After my break in the third set, I continued to serve well while remaining aggressive. I was ready to serve for the game, but broke it to end it. »
“It’s an incredible feeling”
Pablo Carreno Busta did not steal his title in Montreal. He had a run during which he beat favorites Matteo Berrettini and Jannik Sinner.
He finished the job by defeating Hubert Hurkacz in the final.
“It’s an incredible feeling,” said the new National Bank Open champion. I worked very hard to get here and win this title.
“It was difficult. It ended a great week where I played very good tennis. I was positive during the tournament. »
For him, it is a seventh career ATP title.
“He’s the one I’m most proud of,” added the Spaniard. It’s the most important because it’s a Masters 1000.”
Long wait
Carreno Busta was in his 52nd career Masters tournament. The wait was long, but it was worth it.
“It’s not easy to win this type of tournament,” said the 31-year-old athlete. Not all players are able to win one during their career.
“For example, David Ferrer has already been third in the world and he has only won one. I didn’t put extra pressure on myself to win one.
“So I’m going to savor it, the moment.” »
He didn’t have much time for celebrations. He jumped on the plane Sunday night to Cincinnati. Carreno Busta should begin his tournament on Tuesday.
big week
For his part, Hubert Hurkacz completed a very busy week.
In addition to reaching the semi-finals in doubles, he played five three-set matches to lose the final in singles.
Like his other press conferences, the Pole was not very vocal in his responses to journalists.
“Pablo played very well throughout the game,” he said. It was hard to face him. I wasn’t serving as well as I wanted. Pablo deserved to win.
“Despite everything, it was a good week for me. I improved on many levels. I learned a lot from those matches. I focus on the next tournament. »
The tenth player in the world finished his doubles match on Sunday night. However, fatigue was not a factor in his performance.
“I felt good,” added Hurkacz. It’s been a busy week. I was at the pitch every day at 9 a.m. and often finished around 10 p.m. I gave everything I had. »
- Before the final, in Montreal as in Toronto, the organizers asked spectators to observe a minute of silence in tribute to the technical supervisor of TVA and TVA Sports, Paul Bourque. He died suddenly while working on the production of the live broadcasts from Toronto.