Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz says he is ‘out to play his best game’ when he takes on 20-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer for a place in the semi-finals at Wimbledon.
The world No.18 is through to the last eight of the tournament for the first time in his career after ousting Daniil Medvedev in five sets in a match that took place over two days due to adverse weather conditions. Becoming the first Polish man to do so since 2013. The run is a stark turnaround for Hurkacz who lost in the first round of both Halle and Stuttgart leading into the Grand Slam.
Next up for the Pole is a showdown with eight-time champion Federer who he lost to in straight sets at the 2019 BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells. On paper he is the underdog in the match, however Hurkacz believes his latest match on Wednesday could work to his advantage.
“I think actually playing today might have helped me because I got used to the indoor conditions, the conditions on the big court, how the ball bounces there and all the crowd. I think that actually can help me in my next-round match,” he said.
The 24-year-old will undoubtedly be Federer’s toughest opponent in the tournament so far, as well as the first top 20 player he has faced this year. Hurkacz illustrated his full potential back in April when he surprised the field by winning the Miami Masters. However, since then his results on the Tour have suffered a lull. He failed to reach the quarter-final stage at six consecutive tournaments prior to Wimbledon.
Now regaining some momentum on Tour, the Pole is relishing his upcoming Showdown with his eyes on springing a possible upset. Medvedev was the fourth consecutive top five player he has beaten after Dominic Thiem (2020 ATP Cup) and Stefanos Tsitsipas (Montreal 2019 and Miami 2021).
“Obviously Roger is a special player. I mean, what he’s achieved throughout his whole career, it’s unbelievable. The way he plays is also special,” Hurkacz commented.
“Being out there playing in the quarter-finals against him, it’s really amazing. But obviously I’m out there to play my best and give myself the best chance of winning the match.”
Should he win, Hurkacz would become the fifth man to have beaten Federer in a Wimbledon quarter-final. Following in the footsteps of Tim Henman (2001), Thomas Berdych (2010), Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (2011) and Kevin Anderson (2018).
