During what has been a roller-coaster season, Hubert Hurkacz is relishing his best Grand Slam run in two years at Wimbledon.
The Pole, who reached the semi-finals at SW19 back in 2021, came into this year’s event having won back-to-back matches in two out of his last seven tournaments played. Although one of those was on the lower-level Challenger Tour, where he reached the final. It has been a frustrating run for Hurkacz, who spent weeks on the sidelines in 2025.
This time last year, he underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee that ended his season. During the procedure, doctors removed a membrane causing the inflammation, pain and other related issues in his knee. 12 months before this procedure, he tore his right meniscus whilst playing at Wimbledon.
Since returning, Hurkacz has lost his opening match in eight tournaments played, but the majority of those were during the early stages of his comeback. He is yet to win three consecutive matches at an event above Challenger level but can change this at Wimbledon later this week.
“It’s been hard this year, probably more challenging than the results I expected and I would have hoped for,” Hurkacz said of his season during his press conference.
“But I think we’re progressing quite well and I still have loads of things to improve to do.
“I’m happy with the wins that I’m getting here (at Wimbledon) and I’m excited for the future.”
When asked what particular areas he would like to improve the most, the former top-10 player was reluctant to go into details and just replied that he wants to work on his game ‘in general.’
There is hope that Wimbledon could be a turning point. After beating Casper Ruud two days ago, Hurkacz disposed of Austria’s Sebastien Oftner 7-6(8), 6-4, 6-4 with the help of 16 aces, and he saved six out of seven break points faced. It is the first time he has made it through to the last 32 of a major event since Wimbledon 2024 and the ninth time in his career overall.
“Every player brings a little bit of a different game and you just try to implement your game and play as best as you can,” he explained when asked to compare his two wins.
“Obviously with smaller adjustments and also knowledge of the opponent.”
At his best, Haurkacz has been ranked as high as sixth in the world and has won eight ATP titles, including two Masters 1000 events. He has more than 20 wins over top 10 players.
Awaiting him in the next round will be 21st seed Tommy Paul, who defeated Kwon Soon-woo 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-2.
