Tennis: Poland’s Hurkacz outplayed by Serbian ace in Dubai

Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz has bowed out of the Dubai Tennis Championships in the United Arab Emirates after being overpowered by world No. 1 Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals of the men's singles.

Hubert Hurkacz in action against Novak Djokovic in Dubai on Thursday.

Photo: EPA/Yoshua Arias

The 26-year-old Pole, ranked 11th in the world, played some of his best tennis but eventually succumbed to the Serbian ace in straight sets, 3-6, 5-7, on Thursday, public broadcaster Polish Radio’s IAR news agency reported.

It's special when Djokovic applauds 👏

Showtime from @HubertHurkacz @DDFTennis | #DDFTennis pic.twitter.com/85dcoslH3k

— ATP Tour (@atptour) March 2, 2023

Hubert Hurkacz walczył do końca, ale to Novak Djoković zagra w półfinale 🔽https://t.co/L4kgD5s1JU

— Sport PR (@sportradiopl) March 2, 2023

In a post-match comment, Djokovic complimented Hurkacz on his performance, saying that the Pole has "one of the best serves in the game."

1️⃣5️⃣-0️⃣ is @DjokerNole's score 😅

The world No.1 remains undefeated and unrelenting in 2023, moving past Hurkacz 6-3, 7-5 for a SF spot@DDFTennis | #DDFTennis pic.twitter.com/qxaE3nBbnx

— ATP Tour (@atptour) March 2, 2023

"It was a challenging match as it always is against Hubert," Djokovic said. "One of the best guys on the Tour, definitely. Fantastic personality. Very lovable guy, a great relationship with everyone. He’s always respectful. I wish him all the best for the rest of the season."

The Polish player last weekend won his sixth career singles title by beating home favourite Benjamin Bonzi in the final of the Marseille Open tournament in France.

The hard-court tournament in Dubai runs until Saturday.

(gs)

Source: PAP, atptour.com