Hurkacz Reflects on Early Exit: 'I Just Didn't Step Up' | Flashscore.com Exclusive
Hubert Hurkacz's journey at the Australian Open took an unexpected turn on Thursday, as he fell to an early exit in the second round. The Polish tennis star, who had been on a remarkable comeback trail, lost to American up-and-comer Ethan Quinn in straight sets, marking the sixth time in eight attempts that he failed to progress beyond the second round.
Despite seeking guidance from doubles partner and compatriot Kamil Majchrzak the day before, Hurkacz struggled to find his rhythm against Quinn. The match highlighted the challenges of returning to the court after a lengthy absence, as Hurkacz had undergone arthroscopic knee surgery in the second half of 2025 and missed six months of tennis.
This was Hurkacz's seventh official match in January, and the second-round elimination was a bittersweet end to his comeback. He had previously defeated top-ten players Taylor Fritz and Alexander Zverev in the United Cup earlier in the month, showcasing his resilience and skill.
The turning point came in the second set tiebreak, where Hurkacz's aggressive cross-court forehand went just millimeters wide, causing him to drop his racket in disbelief. The American opponent, Quinn, then dominated the third set, losing only two points on his own serve in a mere 19 minutes.
Hurkacz expressed his disappointment, acknowledging the significance of the second set tiebreak. He admitted that he was still fighting and making adjustments in the third set, which may have led to missing some shots. Quinn's early break in the third set proved to be a turning point, as he played even better after that moment.
Despite the loss, Hurkacz received harsh criticism on social media for his perceived lack of effort and energy in the final set. However, he assured that he was physically feeling well during the tournament, having played numerous matches in Australia, including the long days of the United Cup, with a minor stomach strain.
Reflecting on the experience, Hurkacz found some positives, despite the disheartening performance. He is eager to return to the court in 2027, determined to build on the great moments and improve his game.
'There were definitely some very great and positive moments,' he said. 'I'm disappointed with the end result in Melbourne, but I'm thrilled to be competing again and grateful for the support of the amazing fans.'
