Born on February 11, 1997, in Wrocław, Poland, Hubert Hurkacz hails from a family with a rich sporting heritage. His mother, Zofia Maliszewska-Hurkacz, was a junior tennis champion in Poland, and his uncle, Tomasz Maliszewski, played tennis professionally. His grandfather was an international volleyball player. Growing up in such an environment, Hurkacz was naturally inclined towards sports.
He began playing tennis at the age of five, introduced to the sport by his mother. Initially coached by his parents, he later received formal training and started competing in junior tournaments. His early exposure to professional tennis came from watching Roger Federer, whom he admired and aspired to emulate.
Junior Career
As a junior, Hurkacz achieved a career-high ITF ranking of No. 29. A significant milestone was reaching the boys’ doubles final at the 2015 Australian Open alongside partner Alex Molčan. Although they finished as runners-up, this performance highlighted Hurkacz’s potential on the international stage.
Transition to Professional Tennis
Turning professional in 2015, Hurkacz steadily climbed the ATP rankings. In 2018, he broke into the top 100 after notable performances at the French Open and US Open, reaching the second round in both tournaments. That year, he also qualified for the Next Generation ATP Finals, securing a win against Jaume Munar.
Breakthrough and ATP Titles
2019: Hurkacz clinched his first ATP title at the Winston-Salem Open, defeating Benoît Paire in the final. This victory propelled him into the top 40 of the ATP rankings.
2020: He secured his first Masters 1000 doubles title at the Paris Masters, partnering with Félix Auger-Aliassime.
2021: A landmark year, Hurkacz won the Miami Open, becoming the first Polish man to win an ATP Masters 1000 singles title. He also reached the semifinals at Wimbledon, defeating Roger Federer in the quarterfinals—a match that marked Federer’s final appearance at the tournament.
2023: He added another Masters 1000 title to his resume by winning the Shanghai Masters, overcoming Andrey Rublev in a thrilling final.
2024: Hurkacz achieved his first clay-court title at the Estoril Open, defeating Pedro Martínez in the final. This victory made him the first Polish man to win a main tour title on clay since 1981.
Grand Slam Performances
Hurkacz’s Grand Slam journey has seen consistent progress:
Australian Open: Reached the quarterfinals in 2024.
French Open: Advanced to the fourth round in 2022 and 2024.
Wimbledon: Semifinalist in 2021.
US Open: Reached the second round multiple times but is yet to make a deep run.
Playing Style
Standing at 6 feet 5 inches, Hurkacz possesses a powerful serve, often clocking speeds up to 151 mph. His all-court game combines baseline consistency with effective net play. Known for his calm demeanor, he often employs a strategic approach, adapting his game based on opponents. His agility and willingness to dive for shots, especially on grass courts, have become a signature aspect of his play.
Coaching and Support Team
Throughout his career, Hurkacz has worked with several coaches:
Craig Boynton: Collaborated from 2019 to 2024, during which Hurkacz achieved significant milestones, including his first Masters 1000 title.
Nicolás Massú and Ivan Lendl: In late 2024, Hurkacz added Massú and Lendl to his coaching team. Massú, a former Olympic gold medalist, and Lendl, an eight-time Grand Slam champion, brought a wealth of experience to his camp.
Personal Life and Interests
Residing in Monte Carlo, Monaco, Hurkacz leads a disciplined lifestyle. He adheres to a vegan diet, a choice he made despite not being fond of vegetables during his childhood. Outside tennis, he has a passion for sports cars and has partnered with McLaren, often seen driving their vehicles during tournaments.
Endorsements and Sponsorships
Over the years, Hurkacz has secured endorsements from prominent brands:
Yonex: Provided his racquets until 2025.
Adidas: Supplies his apparel.
Wilson: As of 2025, he began using Wilson racquets.
Lotos: A Polish oil company, features its logo on his match attire.
Gerald Charles: He sports their GC sport watch collection during matches.
Legacy and Future Prospects
As of early 2025, Hurkacz has achieved a career-high ATP singles ranking of No. 6. With multiple ATP titles across all surfaces and significant Grand Slam performances, he stands as Poland’s most successful male tennis player. His dedication, combined with a strategic game and strong support team, positions him as a formidable contender in upcoming tournaments.
FAQs
Who is Hubert Hurkacz?
Hubert Hurkacz is a professional tennis player from Poland, widely regarded as one of the most successful Polish male tennis players in history. Born on February 11, 1997, in Wrocław, Poland, Hurkacz turned professional in 2015 and steadily rose through the ranks to reach the top tier of men’s tennis. As of 2025, he has won multiple ATP titles, including prestigious Masters 1000 events, and has reached as high as World No. 6 in the ATP singles rankings. Known for his calm demeanor, solid serve, and excellent movement for his size (6 ft 5 in), Hurkacz has earned praise for his all-court game and composure under pressure.
What are Hurkacz’s biggest career achievements so far?
Some of Hubert Hurkacz’s most significant accomplishments include:
Winning the Miami Open in 2021, becoming the first Polish male to win a Masters 1000 singles title. Defeating Roger Federer in the 2021 Wimbledon quarterfinals in straight sets, including a rare 6–0 in the final set—Federer’s last Wimbledon appearance. Winning the Shanghai Masters in 2023, beating Andrey Rublev in the final. Capturing his first clay-court ATP title in Estoril in 2024, becoming the first Polish man since 1981 to win a clay ATP tournament. Reaching the semifinals at Wimbledon (2021) and the quarterfinals of the Australian Open (2024). He has also won ATP titles on hard, grass, and clay courts—demonstrating his versatility.
How did Hurkacz start playing tennis?
Hubert was introduced to tennis at the age of five by his mother, Zofia Maliszewska-Hurkacz, a former junior tennis champion in Poland. Coming from a family with a strong sports background, Hurkacz found inspiration and support early on. His uncle played tennis professionally, and his grandfather was a volleyball player. Hurkacz credits his family’s sporting influence, along with watching icons like Roger Federer on television, as the spark that ignited his love for tennis.
What is his playing style?
Hurkacz is known for his all-court playing style, excellent movement, and powerful serve. His serve regularly exceeds 140 mph, and he is adept at using it to gain quick points. Despite his tall frame, he moves gracefully and covers the court effectively. He has a consistent two-handed backhand, and his net play is sharp, often drawing comparisons to grass-court specialists. He is especially effective on faster surfaces like grass and hard courts but has recently improved on clay. His calm, composed on-court demeanor allows him to stay focused during tense matches.
Who are his coaches?
As of 2025, Hubert Hurkacz works with a notable coaching team including:
Nicolás Massú – A former Olympic gold medalist and former coach of Dominic Thiem. Massú joined Hurkacz’s camp in late 2024 to add more tactical discipline and clay-court strategies.
Ivan Lendl – One of the greatest tennis players of all time and an eight-time Grand Slam winner, Lendl also joined the team in 2024 to bring championship-level insights.
Previously, Craig Boynton was his coach from 2019 to 2024, playing a crucial role in Hurkacz’s Miami and Wimbledon successes.
In summary
Hubert Hurkacz’s journey from a young boy in Wrocław to a global tennis star is a story of talent, hard work, and perseverance. With major titles already under his belt and more in sight, he is not just a national hero in Poland but a growing force in the world of tennis. As fans around the world watch him rise, Hurkacz continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible for Polish tennis.
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