Hubert Hurkacz vs Pablo Carreño-Busta Prediction & Betting Tips - ATP National Bank Open

Prediction published on 14/08/2022, 08:41  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 14/08/2022 at 09:42 in Tennis Predictions

Eighth seeded Hubert Hurkacz takes on the unseeded Pablo Carreno Busta in the Montreal Masters final. Hurkacz began the week ranked 10th in the world but winning this final will take him up to eighth position, a new career high. The 25-year-old is in his second Masters final, having won in Miami last year. He hasn't done too well in Grand Slam events this year with a best of a fourth round in Paris. However, it's been a different story in Masters 1000 events. He reached the last four in Miami and the quarter finals in Monte Carlo and Madrid. This tournament has seen that good form in the most important events continue. but it has been a struggle to get to this final.  He's had wins over Emill Ruusuvouri (in three sets), Albert Ramos Vinolas (after losing the first set on a tie-break), Nick Kyrgios (another three setter) and then in the semi-final, a three set win over fourth seeded Casper Ruud after losing the first set. He fought back well though and only lost five games in the remaining two sets.

Pablo Carreno Busta is world ranked 23rd but up to 16th in the live rankings. He can rise to 14th if winning what is his first ever Masters final. This is his second final of the year having reached the title decider in Barcelona but that was on clay. Before this week, Busta hadn't got past the last 16 of a singles event played on a hard court. He's found his form this week though with wins over 11th seed Matteo Berrettini, Holger Rune, the seventh seeded Jannik Sinner and then the British players Jack Draper and Daniel Evans. Busta had to go to three sets to beat Evans in their semi-final. This is his second meeting with Hurkacz in an ATP Tour final. They met in Metz last year with Hurkacz winning in straight sets. Earlier in the year, Busta had beaten Hurkacz in Cincinnati. Those two matches saw three tie-breaks played. Back Hurkacz to win this and have a side-bet on there being a tie-break played.