Hurkacz threatens the tour again: is he the big surprise of the Australian Open?

Carlos Navarro | 7 Jan 2026 | 12.48

Hubert Hurkacz is signing an amazing United Cup. Source: Getty

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We had forgotten about him, but he had by no means forgotten about tennis. Hubert Hurkacz has endured very tough months. Alone, in the darkness of professional sports, which he does not forget when injuries emerge. His growth plans in 2025, ambitious as shown by the signings of Nicolás Massú and Ivan Lendl as part of his team, were thwarted by a serious injury to his right knee that led him to undergo surgery last July. Seven months have passed... and Hubi is back.

The noble giant is once again terrorizing the circuit with unstoppable serves. Absolutely unreturnable serves that are making an impact during the United Cup 2026, where he already has two victories and has yet to drop a single set. The most striking statistic, however, is clear: he has hit an incredible 42 aces in just four sets played, an average of more than 10 aces per set that has propelled him over Alexander Zverev and Tallon Griekspoor with astonishing ease.

We are not going to discover the virtues of a man who was once ranked #6 in the ATP rankings, a Wimbledon semifinalist, and a winner of two Masters 1000 titles. Due to his physique, it may be surprising to see such a high level in just his first tournament after more than seven months off... but Hubert has not wasted time: throughout this week, we have seen images showing a higher muscle level, a much more defined body aiming to gain extra power to continue striking fear into his opponents. This physical conditioning, strengthening all areas of his body to prevent new injuries, is undoubtedly another key reason for his magnificent return to the circuit.

Hurkacz expresses surprise at his high level in such a short time but reveals the key to feeling so liberated

The worst news for the rest of the circuit, without a doubt, is the position the Pole holds in the rankings. Regardless of what happens, Hubi will arrive at the Open de Australia 2026 outside the seeded players' zone, which could match him against any player in a high-flying first round. He is possibly the biggest threat in a first-round encounter, the name to avoid for players like Jannik Sinner (whom he defeated precisely to win his first Masters 1000), Carlos Alcaraz, or Novak Djokovic.

What is the secret behind this sudden resurgence? How is he able to display such a high level in just his first two competitive commitments? After defeating Griekspoor, Hubi spoke about the feeling of freedom and confidence he experiences when returning to a tennis court. "I had no idea how the season was going to start. I hadn't played in seven months, you don't know what to expect. I felt good in training, but they are so different from matches... I am very surprised, in a positive way, by the performances I am delivering. After so much time away, you simply get excited to step onto the court. You gain a different perspective, a different way of looking at things. That's why I can play better and, perhaps, stay so calm in pressure situations", the Pole stated court-side.

His results prove it, showing no signs of nerves in the key moments of his matches against Sascha and Tallon. Hubi not only poses a danger in an Australian context: his outstanding level places him in a clear position of favoritism in the United Cup, forming a duo with Iga Swiatek that directly aims for a title that slipped through their fingers in the final against Germany last year. He is undeniably the top contender for the first Grand Slam of the year, a sign of danger that could target anyone. Stock up, put on your safety helmet because, ladies and gentlemen... Hubert Hurkacz is back.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Hurkacz vuelve a amenazar al circuito: ¿es el gran tapado del Open de Australia?