Hubert Hurkacz

Hubert Hurkacz is one of the most dangerous big servers on the ATP Tour, and here’s a stat that tells you everything: he defeated Roger Federer in straight sets at the 2021 Wimbledon semi-finals. Not many players on the planet can say that. The Polish player combines a thunderous delivery with an increasingly well-rounded all-court game, and he’s won multiple ATP titles including a Masters 1000 event in Montreal.

At 196cm, Hurkacz uses his height and reach to devastating effect on serve and at the net. His volleying has improved significantly — to the point where he’s now a genuine serve-and-volley threat when conditions suit — and on faster surfaces, including Melbourne’s hard courts, his game becomes particularly lethal. His ability to shorten points with the serve and move forward behind it gives opponents almost no time to establish any kind of rhythm.

What I find interesting about Hurkacz is the way he’s embraced his role as Poland’s leading male tennis player. In a country that has produced a women’s world No. 1 in Iga Swiatek, Hurkacz carries considerable expectations with a friendly demeanour and clean-hitting style that have earned him fans worldwide. His continued improvement suggests the best results may genuinely still be ahead of him.

Career Statistics

Player Profile

Hubert Hurkacz continues to develop as one of the most complete big men in tennis, and his serve-and-volley capabilities add a tactical dimension that very few modern players possess. His Australian Open results have shown steady improvement, and he’s the kind of player who can produce a deep run at any major when everything clicks. When the serve is on and the net game is firing, good luck stopping him.

NC — Staff sports writer, australiafootball.com