Hubert Hurkacz has joined the highly anticipated Nitto ATP Finals as Stefanos Tsitsipas’ replacement. Hurkacz played a friendly match against Taylor Fritz, and they played one set. The Polish player debuted in the event in 2021 and lost all three of his group-stage matches. He will only play one match this year at the event.
Hurkacz is playing in Turin as Tsitsipas withdrew due to his injury. He is set to face Novak Djokovic in a crucial match for the green group. The 26-year-old made a promise to a fan on his first day at Turin. Hurkacz told a fan that if he beat Djokovic, he would give his racket to him. The pair will play the match on November 16th, and the fan in question will be waiting for a racket from Hurkacz while cheering for him from the stands.
Hurkacz says if he beats Djokovic, he will give this fan his racket 😂🥹 pic.twitter.com/RuWsjx0IQa
— Olly 🎾🇬🇧 (@Olly_Tennis_) November 15, 2023
Hurkacz is looking for his first win at the Nitto ATP Finals. A victory would give him around 200 ranking points and $152,500. It would be arduous for Hurkacz to face Djokovic, who has 48 wins in the event. The Serbian is the favorite to win, but he can expect a gutsy fight from his opponent. The pair have never played against each other at the Nitto ATP Finals.
Hubert Hurkacz hoping for first win against Novak Djokovic at Turin
Djokovic will face Hurkacz for the seventh time on the tour. The world No. 1 is yet to lose a match against Hurkacz. They have played two matches this season where Djokovic only lost a single set. It will be the second time the players face each other on indoor hardcourts. They had played at the Paris Masters in 2021, which Djokovic won in the decider.
The 36-year-old will be facing issues on Hurkacz’s serve. The world No. 9 has hit 1,031 aces this season in 68 matches. He is the only player to have reached the 1,000-figure mark this year. Hurkacz has hit more aces than Djokovic in six of their seven matches. They last played at Wimbledon, where Hurkacz fired 33 aces. Djokovic will aim to keep Hurkacz away from the net and improve his return on the serve.
FINAŁ SEZONU! 🔥
🎾 🇵🇱 Hubert Hurkacz – Novak Djokovic 🇷🇸
🏟️ Kort centralny
🗓️🕐 16.11.23, 14:30 🇵🇱
📺 Polsat Sport, Tennis TVLET’S GO, HUBI! 💪💪💪#Hubi #Hurkacz #TeamHH #Turin #ATPFinals2023 #HHFC #Tenis #Polskitenis #Tennis pic.twitter.com/VRUPO3qhHu
— Hubert Hurkacz Fan Club (@HubertHurkaczFC) November 15, 2023
Djokovic has spent over six hours on the court in his first two matches. Hurkacz will feel more energetic and play with no pressure this time. The 24-time grand slam champion needs a straight-set victory to qualify for the semifinals, and a defeat can hamper his chances of qualification. Hurkacz will keep in mind his promise to fans during the match.