Along with Antalya, Delray helped launch the ATP calendar for the first time ever. With a mostly All-American line up, the tournament in Florida showed us many surprises. Seeds were knocked out early on, there was deep runs from forgotten and unknown players and all in all Delray gave fans an exciting and captivating storyline to start 2021. Let’s delve into some of the biggest takeaways.
Hubert Hurkacz beats out the Americans in America
World No. 35, Hubert Hurkacz won his second ATP title after a dominating week in Florida. The Polish 23-year-old didn’t drop a single set all tournament and only played one tiebreaker. "It's a great start of the year," Hurkacz told the media at his press conference. What may be more valuable than the title is the fact the 23-year-old will now be seeded at the Australian Open. This means Hurkacz will avoid facing some of the top names in the opening round at Melbourne Park. The current World No. 35 will look to continue to climb up the rankings in 2021.
Florida Native Sebastian Korda has a sensational week in Florida
Many people may not have heard of World No. 119, Sebastian Korda before this week, but they will know him now. Sebastian is the son of 1998 Australian Open champion Petr Korda, and it isn’t the Americans first deep run at a tournament, as he made the fourth round at last year’s French Open. Korda made the most of playing in his own backyard and will take plenty of experience out of the week, in particular from the final. The 20-year-old will now move up to World No. 103, putting him ever so close to the illusive top 100.
Christian Harrison. Yep, That’s It.
World No. 789 and qualifier, Christian Harrison stunned the ATP world this past week. The 26-year-old earned more tour level wins this week (3) than he had entering the tournament for his entire career (2). Not only did the American tear up the singles court, he also made it to the double’s finals with his brother, Ryan Harrison. Despite being fined for not wearing a mask in an interview, that would be the least of Harrisons worries. A great start to the year for the Florida native.
Francis Tiafoe Needs to Lift
World No. 62, Francis Tiafoe, can be a top 20 player, maybe even top 10, but he needs to find that form again that propelled him to World No. 29. It was thought that this was Tiafoe’s chance to capture his second tour title, but he fell in the quarterfinal after losing to Brit, Cameron Norrie. Many had Tiafoe and fellow American counterpart, Taylor Fritz on par to be America’s next big stars, but at this point Fritz looks leaps and bounds ahead of Tiafoe. A disappointing week for the 22-year-old.
Cameron Norrie will Compete in 2021
World No. 74, Cameron Norrie was ranked as high as World No. 41, in 2019 and will look to climb back up the rankings. After a stellar week on the hardcourts in Florida, the Brit can head into Melbourne Park with conviction and belief he can cause some upsets. If draws fall in Norrie’s favour this season, don’t be shocked if we see him in the top 40 by years end.
Behar/Escobar Continue to Turn Heads
Last year Ariel Behar of Uruguay and Gonzalo Escobar of Ecuador put themselves on notice by claiming five ATP Challenger Tour titles. Claiming the doubles title in Delray against the Harrison brothers is another step in the right direction for the South American duo. They have chemistry as well as skill, and will look to continue to claim titles on the ATP tour this year. The title also makes Escobar the first Ecuadorian doubles champion since 1999.