Hubert Hurkacz says he is ‘hungry for more’ after reaching the quarter-finals of the Australian Open for the first time in his career.
The ninth seed edged out France’s Arthur Cazaux 7-6(6), 7-6(3), 6-4, with the help of a strong service display. Hurkacz won 49 out of 54 points behind his first serve and fired 11 aces past his opponent. Furthermore, he hit 41 winners against 25 unforced errors to register his 30th win at a Grand Slam tournament.
“I think I played a good match today. I was serving decent. From the baseline, I was really aggressive. I was managing to get ahead in the rallies. That was giving me confidence.” Hurkacz told reporters in Melbourne.
Whilst it is usually women’s world No.1 Iga Swiatek breaking records for Poland, Hurkacz has created his own piece in history by becoming the first man from his country to reach the last eight at Melbourne Park. He is making his sixth main draw appearance at the event this year.
Unaware of the milestone until he was informed by a member of the media, the world No.9 hopes his achievements will help inspire more people to play the sport. He is currently the only Pole ranked in the top 250 on the ATP Tour and is one of only five in the top 500.
“It’s definitely really, really exciting,’ he said of his run to the quarter-finals. “I want more kids hopefully to play tennis and enjoy that sport. I think it’s a fun sport.’
“Making it to the quarterfinals, it’s nice, but obviously we’re (Hurkacz’s team) hungry for more. I’m proud of my performance and the team’s performance today.”
It isn’t the first time Hurkacz has gone deep at a major event. In 2021 he reached the semi-finals at Wimbledon before losing to Matteo Berrettini. Becoming only the second Polish man to reach that stage at SW19 after Jerzy Janowicz.
So how has his tennis evolved on the Tour over the past three years?
“I’ve gained a lot of experience playing on tour for a couple of years, playing against the best players in the world.” He said.
“I think my serve has improved. I would say my return, my knowledge about tennis, knowledge about myself (has also improved), also physically I think I’m a better player since then.”
Hurkacz will next take on Daniil Medvedev who he leads 3-2 in their head-to-head and has won their two most recent meetings in 2022.
