Citi Open 2022: Hubert Hurkacz vs. Emil Ruusuvuori Tennis Pick and Prediction

TennisSection previews the 2022 Citi Open as Hubert Hurkacz takes on Emil Ruusuvuori in the second round on Wednesday, August 2nd, 2022.

Will Hubert Hurkacz keep up his excellent record on American hard courts? The Pole will be going for his fourth title on US soil when he makes his third appearance at the Citi Open. But he faces a rejuvenated Emil Ruusuvuori on his return. Who will prevail?

Hubert Hurkacz has never gone beyond the second round of the Citi Open, losing in his last two trips at this stage. But since his last appearance in 2019, the Pole is now in a completely different league. Hurkacz has ascended as high as No. 9 in the world (currently 11th) and has won three titles on US soil, the biggest of which came last season when he defeated JannikSinner in the Miami Masters final. Hurkacz hasn’t stopped going from strength to strength this season. He captured his fifth ATP title of his career in Halle, defeating a gaudy list of opponents including Auger-Aliassime, Nick Kyrgios and Daniil Medvedev. How will the Pole fare on his return to Washington?

Emil Ruusuvuroi, for his part, was in action in the first round of the Citi Open where he scored his third win in his last eight matches. The Finn came from behind to shock Mackenzie McDonald 1-6 6-4 6-4. Ruusuvuori overcame some jittery moments behind his serve, coughing up eight double faults in the match. But once he got that part of his game under control, he began swinging freely and breached the defense of McDonald in sets two and three.

Hubert Hurkacz and Emil Ruusuvuori have not played each other ATP Tour. Hurkacz has a formidable record on this part of continent having won three of his five tour-level titles on American soil. The Pole hits the ball immaculately on fast courts and is a nightmarish opponent to deal with. Ruusuvori, for his part, is also a fine ball striker but will need to improve his levelssignificantly from his last match against McDonald to have a chance. With that said, Hurkacz should be far too polished to give the Finn any breathing space here.