Hurkacz blasts past Griekspoor to lift Poland into quarters
Seven months after knee surgery, Hubert Hurkacz unleashes 20 aces in a pressure-free serving clinic, propelling Poland into the United Cup quarter-finals with a straight-sets rout of Tallon Griekspoor.
In the charged atmosphere of Sydney’s Ken Rosewall Arena, Hubert Hurkacz silenced any lingering doubts about his return, dismantling Tallon Griekspoor 6-3, 7-6(4) to secure Poland’s spot in the United Cup 2026 quarter-finals. Poland entered the tie needing just one victory, and the towering server delivered without concession, firing 20 aces while facing zero break points on his delivery. His baseline game hummed with authority, blending heavy topspin forehands crosscourt to control rallies and inside-out backhands that stretched the Dutchman wide, turning the hardcourt’s pace into his ally from the opening game.
“Definitely didn’t know how I was going to start the season. Haven’t played for seven months, so you don’t really know what to expect,” Hurkacz said. “I was playing okay in practice, but practice is so different from the match when you have so many emotions, you have fans around. I’m quite positively surprised and pleased with that performance out there.”
Recovery fuels calm under fire
The former No. 6 had not competed since June 2025, sidelined by knee surgery that tested his resolve through endless rehab sessions. Yet in this mixed-teams opener, he channeled that hiatus into poise, toppling World No. 3 Alexander Zverev in straight sets before this clinical takedown of Griekspoor. As the first set built, Hurkacz mixed short points with aggressive net rushes after his serve, using the arena’s echoes to amplify his focus rather than distract it.
In the second set, Griekspoor pushed back with grinding crosscourt backhands, forcing longer exchanges on the medium-paced surface. Hurkacz adapted seamlessly, employing a one–two pattern of flat serves down the tee followed by down-the-line forehand winners to reclaim control. The tiebreak became his stage, where a precise inside-in backhand sealed the mini-break, his composure a direct echo of the perspective gained during months away.
“After such a long period you’re just so excited to be out there and it also gives you a different perspective on things,” he reflected. “I think that’s why I’m able to perform maybe better and even stay calm in the difficult moments.”
Serve variations unlock dominance
Hurkacz’s delivery proved impenetrable, varying kicks to the body with slices wide to the forehand, exploiting the hardcourt’s true bounce to jam returns. He won 89% of first-serve points, a mark that neutralized Griekspoor’s solid baseline returns and kept the Dutchman lunging without reward. This tactical edge, honed in practice, translated to match play where the crowd’s rhythmic cheers synced with each unreturned bomb.
The surface’s grip allowed his topspin groundstrokes to dip sharply, repelling advances and opening angles for crosscourt passes. Griekspoor netted a defensive lob under pressure at 3-2 in the opener, handing the break as Hurkacz’s serve-volley forays pinned him deep. Such adjustments not only preserved his knee but elevated his game, signaling a full resurgence for the ATP stalwart.
Sydney showdown tests resurgence
Poland now chases its first United Cup title after two runner-up finishes, facing host Australia on Friday evening in Sydney. The Aussies’ speed, led by Alex de Minaur’s quick returns, will challenge this serving fortress on familiar courts. Hurkacz’s blend of power and newfound mental edge positions his team to thrive amid the home roar, potentially rewriting their mixed-teams story with calculated aggression.
As the quarter-final nears, the Pole’s journey from surgical recovery to on-court command underscores tennis’s demand for adaptation. His straight-sets streak this week builds momentum, promising a clash where serve efficiency meets baseline fire. In the United Cup’s tightening bracket, Poland’s path forward hinges on sustaining this rhythm against escalating stakes.
