Hubert Hurkacz has fired Poland into a blockbuster United Cup quarterfinal against Australia after defeating Tallon Griekspoor of the Netherlands in Sydney.
Big-serving Hurkacz snared a 6-3, 7-6 (7/4) win over world number 25 Griekspoor at Ken Rosewall Arena, clinching a quarterfinal berth for Poland with two matches to spare against the Dutch.
Due to the United Cup’s scoring system in the group stage, Poland only needed to win one match on Wednesday to book its spot in the last eight at the mixed-teams event.
Hurkacz is set to face Australia’s world number six Alex de Minaur on Friday night, with local rising star Maya Joint expected to play six-time major singles winner Iga ÅšwiÄ…tek.
De Minaur dazzles at United Cup
World number 83 Hurkacz is enjoying solid form after missing nearly seven months following arthroscopic surgery on his right knee.
The 28-year-old kickstarted his season with a 6-3, 6-4 upset of world number three Alexander Zverev in Poland’s opening tie against Germany on Monday.
He then fired 21 aces to beat Griekspoor in one hour and 24 minutes.
“After such a long period [sidelined] you’re just so excited to be out there and it also gives you a different perspective on things,” Hurkacz said.
“I think that’s why I’m able to perform maybe better and even stay calm in the difficult moments.”
Poland will be out to break through for silverware at the United Cup after consecutive finishes as runners-up to Germany and last year’s champions, the US.
Australia reached the quarterfinals after de Minaur steered the host nation in its 2-1 win over Czechia on Tuesday night.
AAP