Nick Kyrgios defeated 30 aces in the 4-6, 7-6 (7/2), 7-6 (7/4) loss to Hubert Hurkacz in a spectacular Halle grass court semifinal on Saturday.
The Australian wildcard, who has stood out on the surface for the past 15 days and backed Stuttgart’s semi-final last weekend, has been unable to win the victory over the Pole who defeated Roger Federer at Wimbledon last year. .
The fifth seed, Hurkacz, produced 27 own aces in a match of more than two hours during which neither of them was able to pick up the momentum.
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Rafa reveals Wimbledon goal | 01:13
Wimbledon semifinalist Hurkacz, ranked 12th and 65th in Kyrgios, will aspire to his first grass court title on Sunday when Daniil Medvedev enters.
World number one broke the dreams of German Oscar Otte to win a title at home with a 7-6 (7/3), 6-3 victory.
Kyrgios was in a good mood after going down to Hurkacz, whose massive service rivals his own.
“He’s a great player,” said the Australian.
“His service is amazing. Honestly, I didn’t feel like reading anything.
“I was playing well the last two sets, but I played a shocking tie in the second set. That’s what it is, I’m happy with my form this week.”
Nick Kyrgios fell short. (Photo by Thomas F. Starke / Getty Images) Source: Getty Images
Kyrgios will play again next week in Mallorca in a final set-up on the grass court before Wimbledon which will begin on June 26.
Kyrgios’ defeat to Hurkacz means he won’t be a Wimbledon star, which was described by prominent tennis journalist Jose Morgado as “bad news for him and for almost everyone.”
“I could use it as a low week, so I won’t worry too much about the result, but now that I say it, when I get there, I obviously want to keep going in my form,” he added.
Kyrgios is also excited about Wimbledon, although the fortnight will not offer qualifying points due to the political clash between the ATP and the All England Club following the ban on Russian and Belarusian competitors.
“I want to try to collect as many points as I can (before Wimbledon),” Kyrgios said.
“I still want to do well at Wimbledon, but without qualifying points you don’t feel as much pressure.”
Kyrgios remained calm for the most part, but told a ball boy to “run correctly, please,” saying the ball boy “turned it off” after he stumbled before Kyrgios make an unforced error.
“Shut me up!” Kyrgios’ anger at the ball boy | 00:30
On the other hand, Medvedev needed 65 minutes to win the first set, helped when his rival committed a double foul on a set point.
He sealed the victory in his first game after 96 minutes, delivering his eighth ace.
“Fava heat (32 degrees Celsius / 89.6 Fahrenheit), harsh conditions,” Medvedev said.
“Getting to the finals is not everything, I want to show my best tennis and win the title.”
He added: “I am happy to have raised my level this year on grass. I love playing on the grass. ”
Medvedev is looking for his first trophy since ending Novak Djokovic’s chances for a Grand Slam on the calendar last September with victory in the US Open final.