Hubert Hurkacz is no stranger to success on the grass courts at Wimbledon, nor is he incapable of pulling off big upsets there.
In fact, Hurkacz has already done that. In what proved to be the final singles match of Roger Federer’s illustrious career, Hurkacz stunned the eight-time Wimbledon champion in the 2021 quarterfinals.
Of course, beating an outgoing Federer is much different from toppling an in-his-prime Novak Djokovic.
That will be Hurkacz’s test during fourth-round action on Sunday afternoon. In addition to Djokovic’s daunting form both overall and at the Championships over the past four years (the 2020 cancellation not included), Hurkacz is already 0-5 lifetime in the head-to-head series, including 2-12 in total sets. They have faced each other once at Wimbledon, with Djokovic prevailing 7-5, 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-4 in 2019. Their most recent encounter came earlier this season in Dubai, where the Serb prevailed 6-3, 7-5.
Hurkacz is extremely talented, with a big serve and movement that is unusual for someone of his 6’5” frame. The 26-year-old Pole has put it all together many times at Masters 1000s (including the 2021 Miami title), but Grand Slams have remained a problem for him. Not once outside of that standout Wimbledon result has he reached a quarterfinal and this is just his fourth overall trip to a fourth round. Hurkacz booked his spot there by defeating Albert Ramos-Vinolas, Jan Choinski, and Lorenzo Musetti all in straight sets.
The world No. 18 will almost certainly have to play the best match of his career if he wants to beat Djokovic. Aiming for a fifth consecutive title at the All-England Club, the 36-year-old cruised past Pedro Cachin, Jordan Thompson, and Stan Wawrinka earlier this week.
Djokovic was pushed to a tiebreaker in each of his first three matches, so he isn’t quite in first gear since he doesn’t have to be. Since Hurkacz is a far bigger threat, though, the No. 2 seed will undoubtedly raise his level. A set for the underdog is possible if he gets hot with his serve, but another upset of a Big 3 opponent in SW19 will probably elude him.
Pick: Djokovic in 4
WWW?
Do fish swim 🐠
Would love for Hubie to have a career day, but I just don’t think it’s going to happen…Joker in 4.
Bublik should be 1.70
Safiullion 1.85
Djokovic 1.40
Sinner 1.20
Very nervous started from Bublik. Doesn’t handle the big arena.
Rublev injured his finger – thats a blessing for Bublik. Hasnt looked good at all.
Absolutely woeful from Bublik. Chalk and cheese.
Schap in trouble, is ill, and Sinner has dropped a set.
Well done to Rublev; just wouldn’t go away. Most players would capitulate after losing set 2 and 3 in TBs against a big server, especially after bombing multiple Mps. The revenge factor got him over the line. Without that he probably loses.
Bublik didnt start playing until he was facing imminent defeat and in the end that cost him.
Djokovic’s serve is an unfair advantage. Not many realize how good his serve is. Its one of the greatest serves of all time. Players get to 0:30 and 15:40 all the time and just bangs in 2 aces or nonreturnable 95% of the time. That’s unheard of.
He’s got an unfair advantage on the serve and backhand.
Unreturnable