Hubert Hurkacz, currently ranked No. 55 in the world and a former top-10 player, showcased his determination on Tuesday night by staging a remarkable comeback against Belgium’s Zizou Bergs. After losing the first set in a close tiebreak, Hurkacz rallied to win the match 6-7(6), 7-6(6), 6-3, 6-3. This intense battle lasted over three hours and highlighted Hurkacz’s strong serving capabilities, allowing him to recover from an early disadvantage and secure his spot in the round of 64.
This victory marks a significant achievement for Hurkacz in his 2026 comeback campaign. After enduring a challenging 2025 season that included arthroscopic surgery on his right knee in July, causing him to miss the latter half of the year, he has returned to the court with renewed vigor. His ranking had dipped to No. 73 during his recovery, but following an impressive start to January, it is rapidly improving. Notably, he recently led Team Poland to their first-ever title at the United Cup in Sydney, where he achieved critical victories over top-10 players Alexander Zverev and Taylor Fritz.
Now boasting a 5-1 record in 2026, Hurkacz is beginning to resemble the player who reached the Australian Open quarterfinals in 2024. Despite showing some signs of fatigue early in the match against the 43rd-ranked Bergs, his improved movement and court coverage in the latter stages suggested he has overcome the knee and back issues that plagued his previous season.
Looking ahead, Hurkacz is set to face off against the talented American Ethan Quinn in the second round. Quinn, only 21 years old, made headlines after achieving a significant upset by defeating the 23rd seed Tallon Griekspoor in straight sets. For Hurkacz, the upcoming match will be a critical test as he aims to navigate the challenges posed by the rising “NextGen” players while continuing his ascent back toward the top 10 in the world rankings.