Breakthrough Players 2021: Hubert Hurkacz

Hubert ‘Hubi’ Hurkacz sits just below the world class players, in both ranking and level. However the young pole could easily join them with his current trajectory.

Hurkacz grew up in a tennis family, his mother and sister both play/played. He has always idolized Roger Federer, and seems to embody the Swiss’ coolheadedness and grace. 

He once said that he hopes his peers consider him “thoughtful and kind to others, fiercely passionate about tennis, competitive, but never a sore loser.”

The 24-year-old wants to be an idol to all polish players. The Pole’s kindness isn’t limited to just humans either as the Pole has a vegan diet.

Hurkacz’s career has been on a steady rise and 2021 has been his best year, achieving a top ten ranking for first time, but after an early defeat to Andy Murray, may not make the tour finals.

Hurkacz has proven he can run with the very best on his day. In his career he has beaten Federer (2021 wimbledon), Medvedev (2021 Canada), Tsitsipas (2021 Miami, 2019 Canada), and Rublev (2021 Miami, 2019 Rome), all (bar Federer) higher ranked than him in the top 10.

Seasoned coach Craig Boynton works with Hurkacz, having coached many high level American players. Boynton is an experienced hand for Hurkacz to rely on.

History

Hurkacz won his first title in 2019 at Winston Salem, becoming the second polish tour level champion after Fibak. That year he reached his highest ranking of 33.

2020 was something of a dry year for the Pole, winning only one doubles title in, Paris Masters partnering Felix Auger-Alliasime. This lack of titles was likely due to the covid-19 pandemic. Despite the setback, he still achieved a new high of rank 28.

2021 has been Hurkacz’s breakthrough year. Three titles won, the Metz 250, Delray Beach 250, and the crowning achievement; the Miami Masters. He had a strong run, defeating Shapovalov, Raonic, Tsitsipas, Rublev, and Sinner, who were all higher ranked than him at the time.

Now Hurkacz sits inside the top ten for the first time in his career, having achieved a semifinal at Wimbledon, in which he defeated eight-time champion Roger Federer.

Alongside the fantastic singles season , he also won one doubles title in 2021 Metz 250 with Zielinski as his partner.

Style

Hurkacz is generally a powerful baseliner, with some inconsistencies. He is described to have a similar style to Andy Murray, and even to have modelled his backhand off of the Scot. He always keeps a coolhead in his matches, which is doubly impressive considering his age.

Strangely, Hurkacz says he closes his eyes as he hits the ball.

Hurkacz is an all-court player, having his most success on hardcourt, but said he likes grass too, evidenced by his success at this year’s wimbledon. He likes to dive on grass and play more serve-and-volley.

Projection

At 24 years old Hubert Hurkacz is not the youngest player in the top ten, but he still has potential and the maturity to push his level even further, he’s shown moments of brilliance and had a great season, a potential slam winner.