Hubert Hurkacz advanced to the semifinals of the China Open 2026 in Beijing on Sunday, October 4, defeating Russia’s Karen Khachanov 7:6(2), 6:2 in an hour and thirty-two minutes. The victory at the ATP 500 hard-court event is a major win for the Polish player as he climbs back up the world rankings following earlier injuries and a recent finals appearance in Chengdu.
How Hurkacz Secures Semifinal Berth in Beijing
The quarterfinal clash on the hard courts of Beijing opened with tight service games from both competitors. According to match reports, Hurkacz faced an early test in his very first service game but managed to hold under pressure. Mid-way through the first set, at 4:3, the Polish player requested a medical timeout for a groin issue and left the court briefly. Upon his return, both athletes held serve cleanly, pushing the opener into a tie-break. Hurkacz dominated the 13th game, claiming an early mini-break and reeling off points to take the tie-break 7:6(2).
Turning Point in the Second Set
Carrying momentum into the second frame, Hurkacz applied relentless pressure on Khachanov’s serve while firing aces of his own. Sourced reports note that the Polish competitor did not face a single break point against his own delivery in the second set. He broke Khachanov in the fifth game for a 3:2 lead, then struck again in the seventh game by attacking the net off returns. Closing out the match with a solid hold, Hurkacz sealed the 6:2 set win and secured his spot in the final four of the tournament.
Hurkacz Avenges Loss to Khachanov in High Stakes Tournament
The victory avenges Hurkacz’s previous head-to-head loss to Khachanov, who won their only prior singles meeting at a 2019 indoor ATP 500 event in Vienna. Flashscore notes that the tournament carries a total prize pool of $4.089 million, with the singles champion earning 500 ranking points and a $764,700 payout. Hurkacz enters this semifinal stage after winning demanding matches earlier in the week, including a three-set victory over American qualifier Learner Tien and another three-setter against Arthur Gea.
Next Matchup in the Capital
Hubert Hurkacz will face Australia’s Alex de Minaur in Monday’s semifinal round in Beijing. De Minaur advanced after overcoming Andrey Rublev in three sets. The tournament concludes on Tuesday, October 6.
