Sho Shimabukuro vs Hubert Hurkacz Preview & Prediction | 2026 Cincinnati Open | First Round
by Alex Lawes ·
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World number 90 Sho Shimabukuro has replaced the injured Corentin Moutet to take on world number 69 Hubert Hurkacz in the first round of the Cincinnati Open.
Ranking points: ATP 1000
Start date/time:
Venue: Lindner Family Tennis Center, Mason, USA
Surface: Outdoor hard
How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports Tennis / USA – Tennis Channel
How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / USA – Tennis Channel
Tickets: Visit this link for the latest Sho Shimabukuro vs Hubert Hurkacz ticket information
Sho Shimabukuro vs Hubert Hurkacz prediction
Sho Shimabukuro did make it past Bolivian player Hugo Dellien in the first qualifying round for Cincinnati before then losing to JJ Wolff. The Japanese 29-year-old did enjoy a relatively strong grass court season over the course of the summer.
Hurbert Hurkacz made it past the second round in Montreal but only as far as the next game before losing to Botic van de Zandschulp. Hurkacz pulled off some major upsets at Wimbledon with victories against Casper Ruud and Tommy Paul before having to retire against Jan-Lennard Struff at two sets apiece, albeit 4-2 down in the decider, in the fourth round.
The preparation for Shimabukuro has clearly not been ideal and there is a gulf between the two players with Hurkacz expected to ease into the second round.
Sho Shimabukuro vs Hubert Hurkacz tip: Hubert Hurkacz to win 2-0
