Miami Open 2023: Hurkacz wins epic three-set battle with Kokkinakis, Medvedev coasts to Round 3

In the longest match of 2023, which lasted 3 hours and 30 minutes, Hubert Hurkacz survived an epic battle with Thanasis Kokkinakis 6-7(10), 7-6(7), 7-6 (6) to reach the third round in Miami.

The Pole saved five match points and won with a 9.1 shot quality on the serve. The match was decided in three consecutive tiebreaks, making it the biggest comeback of the tournament so far.

Hurkacz's win over Kokkinakis is only the fifth time in Miami where a match has been contested with three consecutive tiebreaks since the ATP Masters 1000 format started in 1990, and it's the 27th so far.

Daniil Medvedev began his Miami Open campaign on a convincing note, coasting past Roberto Carballes Baena 6-1 6-2 to advance to the third round.

The three games Medvedev conceded are the equal-lowest he has given up in a single match at the event, the first being against Mannarino in 2019.

Meanwhile, Frances Tiafoe survived an early exit to get past Watanuki 6-7(5), 7-6(3), 6-4, and reach the third round.

Tiafoe, on winning after the match, the American paid respects and praised Watanuki for a good match.

“It was brutal tonight. I was trying everything I can, getting really frustrated. I’ve never seen him play, the guy was playing lights out. I really had no shot. He played a hell of a match. You got to give respect where respect is due,” Tiafoe said.