Key Takeaways
- Hubert Hurkacz earned a spot in the round of 16 at the Rolex Shanghai Masters with a hard-fought third-round victory.
- The former world number six noted that maintaining peak performance following a major win over Novak Djokovic posed a difficult challenge.
- Hurkacz expressed gratitude for his sustained health and form across three tournaments in China following two years of injury struggles and two surgeries.
Hubert Hurkacz battles through third round at Rolex Shanghai Masters
Hubert Hurkacz secured his place in the round of 16 at the Rolex Shanghai Masters after prevailing in a tough third-round encounter against a powerful local challenger. The Polish star, who entered the match on the heels of a notable victory over Novak Djokovic, noted the importance of staying disciplined against an opponent he had never faced before.
Reflecting on the match, Hurkacz highlighted the mental hurdle of backing up his prior triumph, observing that “after winning against Novak”, it is not simple to immediately rediscover peak tennis the following day. He admitted that his intensity dipped during the second set, allowing his rival to capitalize, but expressed satisfaction at surviving the contest and voiced confidence that his form would sharpen in subsequent rounds.
Rebuilding momentum after injury struggles
Hurkacz has enjoyed an impressive stretch in China, posting deep runs across three consecutive tournaments. The former world number six spoke openly about the physical adversity that interrupted his career, detailing how an injury led to a challenging two-year absence requiring two separate surgical operations.
Hurkacz emphasized that simply competing again at a premier level brings him immense satisfaction. He explained that delivering a top standard of play is the true key to overcoming high-caliber opponents. Having taken time away from the tour to reflect and recover, the Polish competitor underscored how much more he now appreciates being healthy and active on the court as his campaign in Shanghai continues.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C00Osvgpi98
ATP Shanghai - Hubert Hurkacz's projected path
Hurkacz in Shanghai, ranking, and results in 2026
Ranked world no.34, Hubert has achieved an overall 35-21 record in 2026. The Pole is now competing in Shanghai where he ousted the world no.64 James Duckworth 6-3 7-6(4), the world no.11 Novak Djokovic 6-4 6-3 and the world no.277 Yi Zhou 6-2 3-6 6-3.
Hubert Hurkacz will take on the world no.26 Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the 4th round. Their record is 5-2 for Davidovich Fokina.
The Pole conquered 2 titles in 2026 in Australia and the Cancun Challenger.
Hubert won 9 titles in his career: 5 on hard courts, 1 on clay courts, 2 on indoor courts and 1 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
