Former world No. 6 Hubert Hurkacz overcame a stern test in his opening match at the Sardegna Open, defeating Zachary Svajda 6-2, 7-6 at the ATP Challenger 175 event in Cagliari. While the scoreline suggests a straight-sets win, the match proved far from straightforward.

Hurkacz controlled the first set comfortably, but Svajda raised his level significantly in the second, even building a 4-1 lead. The Polish player responded with composure, lifting his game at the crucial moment to force a dramatic tie-break. After missing multiple match points and saving a set point with a bold second serve, Hurkacz eventually sealed victory on his fourth opportunity after an 18-point tie-break.

Off to a strong start 💪@HubertHurkacz overcomes Svajda 6-2, 7-6(8) #ATPChallenger | 🇮🇹 Cagliari pic.twitter.com/HvPOE8L7De

— ATP Challenger (@ATPChallenger) April 28, 2026

“It wasn’t an easy match,” Hurkacz said. “Svajda is a tough opponent. I’m happy with the win and I feel good physically. Thanks to the crowd as well – I really appreciated the support.”

Later in the day, Cristian Garin also advanced, defeating Moez Echargui 6-7, 6-4, 6-2. The Chilean, a five-time ATP Tour champion on clay, shifted momentum midway through the second set and never looked back.

Garin will next face Portugal’s Nuno Borges, the tournament’s third seed, while Hurkacz -now working with coach Gilles Cervara – awaits the winner of the match between Emilio Nava and Damir Dzumhur.

TUESDAY RESULTS

Singles – First Round:

Jesper de Jong def. Stefano Travaglia 6-7, 6-3, 6-1

Marcos Giron def. Aleksandar Vukic 6-4, 1-6, 6-1

Matteo Berrettini def. Patrick Kypson 6-4, 6-7, 7-6

Hubert Hurkacz def. Zachary Svajda 6-2, 7-6

Cristian Garin def. Moez Echargui 6-7, 6-4, 6-2

Qualifying – Final Round:

Rei Sakamoto def. Ryan Seggerman 7-5, 6-7, 7-6

Stefanos Sakellaridis def. Enrico Dalla Valle 6-3, 7-5

Luca Potenza def. Nicolas Barrientos 6-4 ret.

Federico Arnaboldi def. Lorenzo Carboni 6-3, 7-5