Hurkacz H vs Damm M on 3 February
On February 3, 2026, the tennis world will witness a gripping encounter at the Open Sud de France in Montpellier, where Hubert Hurkacz will square off against Maxime Cressy. The stakes are high as both players look to advance deep into the tournament, with Hurkacz aiming to maintain his position in the top echelons of the ATP rankings, while Cressy will be eager to continue his rise and prove his ability against a top-tier opponent. The indoor hard court promises to offer fast-paced action, and given the contrasting playing styles of these two competitors, the match is sure to deliver drama and intensity. With their serve-heavy games and contrasting strategies, this encounter is bound to be a tactical battle that will capture the imagination of any tennis enthusiast.
Hurkacz H: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Hubert Hurkacz enters the tournament in solid form, having won three of his last five matches. His aggressive baseline play and well-placed serve are central to his success. Hurkacz’s serve is one of his standout weapons, ranking in the ATP’s top 10 for service games won. He often uses a heavy first serve to dictate the pace, followed by a well-positioned second serve to ensure he maintains control. Statistically, Hurkacz wins 70% of his first serve points and has been able to convert 25% of his break point opportunities over the last few months, a clear indication of his ability to keep opponents on the back foot. When on the baseline, Hurkacz favors a solid but attacking approach, looking to dictate rallies with his powerful forehand. His backhand remains a crucial part of his strategy, allowing him to defend when under pressure while also setting up points. Hurkacz’s net play, though less frequent, can be a surprise weapon, and his agility allows him to close the distance quickly when needed. One of the key battles in this match will revolve around Hurkacz’s ability to maintain consistency from the baseline while looking for opportunities to capitalize on Cressy’s weaker returns. Looking at his physical condition, Hurkacz has shown excellent resilience, but his recent matches have seen a slight dip in his serve percentage, something he’ll need to address against Cressy. With no significant injuries affecting his game, Hurkacz remains a tough opponent, but he will need to increase his level of intensity and find his rhythm on the indoor hard court to challenge for a deep run here in Montpellier.
Damm M: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Maxime Cressy, on the other hand, has been in superb form, particularly on hard courts, winning four of his last five encounters. His game is built around a massive serve and an aggressive net game, which he employs to finish points quickly. Cressy’s serve can reach speeds over 220 km/h, making him one of the most difficult servers to break. He has won 80% of his first serve points over the past few months, with a particularly impressive stat showing that he has broken his opponents’ serves 30% of the time, reflecting his constant pressure on return games. What sets Cressy apart from many of his contemporaries is his willingness to come to the net, with his serve-and-volley game a hallmark of his style. This high-risk, high-reward approach works well on indoor hard courts, where the fast surface allows him to close the net quickly after serving. However, his reliance on serve and volley can sometimes leave him vulnerable in longer rallies, especially when he faces opponents who can neutralize his serve and turn points into grueling exchanges. Cressy’s movement is one of the more underrated aspects of his game. While not known for blazing speed, his court coverage is more than adequate, and his adaptability allows him to adjust his game based on his opponent’s strengths and weaknesses. There’s a risk, however, that his reliance on serving and volleying will be exposed if Hurkacz can get his returns deeper, forcing Cressy into uncomfortable positions and limiting his ability to dictate points at the net. Cressy is in peak physical condition, and with no injuries to worry about, he enters this match with confidence and the momentum of a solid streak.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
The head-to-head record between Hurkacz and Cressy is one of the most intriguing aspects of this match. While they have only met once before, at the 2023 Australian Open, Hurkacz prevailed in four sets, a clear demonstration of his ability to handle high-pressure situations. However, the match was closer than many expected, and Cressy’s aggressive serve-and-volley tactics did cause Hurkacz some issues. This encounter left a lasting psychological mark on both players, with Hurkacz needing to find a way to avoid getting embroiled in too many extended rallies, while Cressy will be aiming to build on the positive aspects of his previous performance. Cressy, a talented but relatively under-the-radar player compared to Hurkacz, will view this match as a golden opportunity to prove himself against a higher-ranked opponent. Meanwhile, Hurkacz will be looking to assert his dominance early on and avoid any potential upsets. The mental fortitude of both players will be key here, with Hurkacz needing to maintain his composure and focus on executing his game plan, while Cressy will look to ride the wave of his recent success to secure a breakthrough win.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
The two major points of focus in this match will be Hurkacz’s return game and Cressy’s ability to dominate at the net. Hurkacz’s ability to return Cressy’s serve effectively will be pivotal, as Cressy’s big first serve has often been his ticket to an easy hold. If Hurkacz can neutralize Cressy’s serve and extend rallies, he will be able to dictate the tempo of the match, forcing Cressy into prolonged baseline exchanges where Hurkacz excels. The other critical battle will be Cressy’s net game versus Hurkacz’s defensive skills. Cressy’s rush to the net after his serve is an essential part of his tactical setup, and Hurkacz’s ability to pass him at the net will decide how often Cressy can execute this play. Hurkacz’s powerful groundstrokes, particularly his forehand, will be tested in these moments, and if he can target Cressy’s movement at the net, he’ll make it much harder for the American to finish points quickly.
Match Scenario and Prediction
Based on the analysis, the most likely scenario for this match is a closely contested battle, with Hurkacz relying on his serve and return game to keep Cressy under control. Cressy will look to push the pace early with his powerful serve and quick trips to the net, but Hurkacz’s ability to return well and force long rallies will eventually wear Cressy down. The indoor hard court will favor Hurkacz’s baseline power, but Cressy’s relentless approach at the net will make things difficult for him. In terms of predictions, Hurkacz is likely to emerge victorious, but it will be a hard-fought contest. Expect a tight first set, with Hurkacz eventually prevailing in a tiebreak. The second set will be equally competitive, but Hurkacz’s greater consistency from the baseline will make the difference. Overall, Hurkacz to win in straight sets is a reasonable expectation, with a potential scoreline of 7-6, 6-4 in his favor.
Final Thoughts
This match will undoubtedly provide insight into two contrasting styles: Hurkacz’s baseline power and tactical precision versus Cressy’s serve-and-volley dynamism. It’s a clash of styles, but Hurkacz’s superior consistency and ability to extend rallies will likely tip the balance in his favor. The key question this match will answer is whether Cressy’s serve-and-volley strategy can stand up against a player as well-rounded as Hurkacz, or if the Polish star will prove too solid in the face of such aggression.
