By Last Word On Sports,Steen Kirby
Copyright yardbarker
He withdrew after just two matches on grass in Den Bosch and has not returned to the ATP Tour since. A coaching partnership with former Chilean star Nicolás Massú brought promise, but physical setbacks proved the bigger obstacle.
Persistent Knee Problems Halt Progress
Hurkacz’s health struggles trace back to Wimbledon 2024, when he tore the meniscus in his right knee after a dive during a point. The swelling and pain never fully subsided, forcing another surgery in July 2025 to address inflammation. His lower back has also been an issue, reducing the effectiveness of his serve and increasing the pressure he faces on court when playing ATP competition.
For Polish tennis, Hurkacz has carried a heavy burden on the men’s side. Since Jerzy Janowicz’s breakthrough a decade ago, no other male player has consistently reached the sport’s upper tiers of the top 20. By contrast, the women’s game has flourished for Polish tennis, first with Agnieszka Radwańska’s consistency at the top level, and now with Iga Świątek’s reign as a frequent world No. 1 (currently world #2) and multiple Grand Slam champion.
Looking Ahead
