Hubert Hurkacz produced a stunning comeback to the ATP Tour at the United Cup, after missing six months of 2025 due to right knee surgery.
The big serving Pole won four of his five matches at the United Cup for his country, including impressive victories against Alexander Zverev, Taylor Fritz, and Stan Wawrinka.
Hurkacz is many fans’ choice for an Australian Open dark horse, and he will play Zizou Bergs in the first round of the Grand Slam.
The Pole has revealed a text conversation he had with world number two Jannik Sinner after he won the United Cup with Poland.
Hubert Hurkacz says he texts Jannik Sinner ‘often’
Fans were not the only players impressed by Hurkacz’s comeback, as Sinner also took some time out of his schedule to congratulate the Polish star.
Speaking to Ubitennis, Hurkacz said: “Jannik and I have texted often, and I’ve congratulated him after every title he’s won. Watching him play and compete has been fantastic.
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“He texted me after my first win of the year and texted me again after I won the United Cup. These gestures show the kind of person he is.
“I also managed to speak to him here at the Australian Open, and I think he’s an inspiration, both for his incredible game and for how he conducts himself off the court: he’s kind and genuine. He’s the perfect role model for life.”
Hurkacz and Sinner have been drawn in the same half of the draw, but they could only play in the semi-finals of the Australian Open.
Hubert Hurkacz’s surprising head-to-head record against Jannik Sinner
In the last two years on the ATP Tour, Sinner has barely lost which gives him a positive record against most stars.
Sinner does lead Hurkacz in their head-to-head, but only narrowly. In the five matches they have played, Sinner has won three of them.
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Hurkacz has beaten Sinner in Miami and Dubai, both without dropping a set. Sinner, meanwhile, has picked up wins at Halle, Monte Carlo, and the ATP Finals.
The pair haven’t met for 18 months, but if Hurkacz continues his renaissance in 2026 another meeting will look very likely.
