A Historic Feat in Shanghai
Hubert Hurkacz delivered one of the standout results of his career at the Shanghai Masters this week, defeating Novak Djokovic in straight sets to reach the third round. Djokovic arrived in Shanghai having just claimed the China Open title, and that exertion appeared to catch up with him as he produced a flat, tired display against the resurgent Pole. Hurkacz had already put together a seven-match winning streak at the Shanghai Masters heading into their encounter, and he looked entirely at ease throughout.
The victory placed Hurkacz in remarkably rare company. He has now beaten Djokovic on hard court, Rafael Nadal on clay (at the 2024 Italian Open), and Roger Federer on grass when he knocked the Swiss legend out of Wimbledon in 2021, effectively ending Federer's run at that tournament. Beating all three members of the Big Three on their respective best surfaces is a feat only Andy Murray, Alexander Zverev, and Dominic Thiem had previously accomplished on the ATP Tour.
What Comes Next for the Pole
Hurkacz also completed a full sweep of the so-called Big Four, having now beaten Murray, Nadal, Federer, and Djokovic across his career. It is worth noting that Djokovic held a dominant head-to-head edge over the Pole before this match, having won eight consecutive meetings between the two. That makes this Shanghai victory all the more meaningful.
Looking ahead, Hurkacz could face Lorenzo Musetti or Zhou Yi next, with a potential meeting against Frances Tiafoe or Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the quarterfinals. He knows this venue well, having lifted the Shanghai Masters trophy in 2023. TennisDraw users have been tracking Hurkacz closely as a deep-run contender in their Shanghai bracket selections.
