Hurkacz ends Murray's bid for first semifinal in two years

Poland's Hubert Hurkacz, who beat Roger Federer on his way to the Wimbledon semifinal in July, defeated Andy Murray 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 in the quarterfinal of the Moselle Open on Friday.

Former world number one Andy Murray's hopes of making a first ATP semifinal in two years were ended by top-seeded Hubert Hurkacz in the last-eight in Metz on Friday.

Poland's Hurkacz, who beat Roger Federer on his way to the Wimbledon semifinal in July, won 7-6 (7/4), 6-3.

"Andy is an unbelievable competitor, he has achieved so much throughout his career," Hurkacz said.

"He is coming back from a tough injury and playing at a very high level, so he is amazing and you can be inspired by his results," he added.

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Three-time major winner Murray was playing in his first quarterfinal since winning the Antwerp title in October 2019. The 34-year-old, who has undergone two hip surgeries in the last three years, is now down at 113 in the world.

For Hurkacz, it was a second win this year over Murray following his victory in Cincinnati last month.

The 24-year-old will next face Peter Gojowczyk after the German moved past American Marcos Giron 3-6, 6-1, 6-3.

Gael Monfils kept home hopes alive when the world number 20 knocked out eighth-seeded Nikoloz Basilashvili of Georgia, 6-3, 6-3.

Monfils will face either Danish teenager Holger Rune or Spain's Pablo Carreno Busta for a place in the final.

"I'm playing better and better. I'm happy with the return of the fans, there is a little more fire and positive energy," said the French number one.

"I hope it will continue like that."