Hurkacz hurtles back into Halle semis

Hubert Hurkacz returned to the grass-court semi-final in Halle on Friday two-years after winning the pre-Wimbledon event, defeating Marcos Giron 7-6 (5), 6-4.

The rangy Pole, who will rise to a career-best seventh in the world on Monday with a week to go before the start of play at the All England Club, advanced past the American in 94 minutes.

Hurkacz included 11 aces among his 42 winners – more than twice as many winners as his opponent.

He won his 11th German grass match since his title here in 2022, suffering only two losses in that period.

“It’s getting closer to the finishing stages of the tourney – this is where you want to be,” the winner said.

“I’m happy with the performance.”

Hurkacz ran out a 4-1 lead in the opening set before Giron clawed with a break-back in the seventh game which eventually sent the set into a tiebreaker.

The second set was more straightforward as Hurkacz broke in the penultimate game before wrapping up the win.

He came back strong, returning great,” the winner said. “It was a big battle, a really close first set. I had the chance for a double break but he came up with good shots