Paris, Nov 5 (AFP/APP):Hubert Hurkacz qualified for the season-ending ATP Finals on Friday after seeing off a stern challenge from Australian journeyman James Duckworth 6-2, 6-7(4/7), 7-5 in the Paris Masters quarter-final.
The 24-year-old Pole will be looking to go one better than his compatriot, 2012 finalist Jerzy Janowicz, in Paris.
He will have a tricky semi-final as he faces the winner of world number one Novak Djokovic or in-form big-serving American Taylor Fritz.
“It is crazy,” said Hurkacz referring to his Masters qualification. “The match was so hard today, knowing that I had to win the match.
“That obviously upped the pressure a little on me too.”
Hurkacz had looked well in control as he eased through the first set 6-2.
However, 55th ranked Duckworth levelled the match with a commanding performance in the tie-break — wagging his fingers at the crowd after taking it 7/4.