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The 2024 Japan Open kicked off with intense matches right from the first round, highlighted by World No. 8 Hubert Hurkacz’s victory over Marcos Giron of the United States. Held on the hard court of the Ariake Colosseum in Tokyo, the match showcased thrilling rallies that captivated fans.
Hubert Hurkacz Overcomes Marcos Giron in a Tense Battle
Seeded second in the tournament, Hubert Hurkacz faced several challenges against Marcos Giron in the first-round match. The match, which lasted over two hours, ended with Hurkacz winning 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-4. The Polish player hit 17 aces and converted three of his six break points.
Hurkacz claimed the first set 6-4, but Giron fought back fiercely. In the second set, both players exchanged breaks before Giron won the set by taking the final three points in the tiebreak, forcing the match into a deciding set.
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However, Hurkacz displayed his composure in the third set, starting with a crucial break and maintaining his lead to secure the win without allowing Giron any comeback opportunities.
Shintaro Mochizuki Falls to Ugo Humbert
On the same day, young Japanese player Shintaro Mochizuki couldn’t overcome France’s Ugo Humbert. The 21-year-old Mochizuki lost 1-6, 2-6 to the World No. 19. Humbert’s aggressive style saw him race to a 5-0 lead in the first set and 5-1 in the second, leaving Mochizuki with little chance to recover.
After the match, Mochizuki said, “It was a difficult game for me from start to finish. I don’t think I made any major mistakes; I kept fighting, but Ugo played very well, and he was the much better player today.”
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Last year, Mochizuki shocked the tournament by defeating Taylor Fritz of the United States in the second round on his way to the semifinals. However, his performance this year has not met expectations. “I wanted to build on those wins, but in reality, I haven’t achieved the results I want on tour… I feel I’m growing as a player, but I’ve spent a lot of time feeling anxious.”
Nishikori and Sakamoto’s Doubles Setback
In the doubles event, Japan’s favorite duo, Kei Nishikori and Rei Sakamoto, played well but lost to the top-seeded American pair Nathaniel Lammons and Jackson Withrow in a super tiebreak. The match ended 6-7(6), 6-4, 10-6 after a tense super tiebreaker.
Despite a strong start with a first-set win, Nishikori and Sakamoto couldn’t hold their advantage as Lammons and Withrow mounted a comeback, leaving the Japanese pair disappointed as they exited in the first round.
Exciting Matches Ahead
The next day promises more thrilling matches as Kei Nishikori will face Marin Cilic of Croatia in the first round of singles, a highly anticipated rematch of the 2014 U.S. Open final where Cilic won.
Additionally, top seed Taylor Fritz will take on Arthur Fils of France. These matches not only draw fans’ attention but also offer players the chance to showcase their form and secure crucial victories at this prestigious ATP 500 event.
The 2024 Japan Open is already unfolding with surprises and promises to deliver top-notch performances from the world’s leading players. The fierce competition on Tokyo’s courts will undoubtedly create unforgettable moments for tennis fans worldwide.
