Polish tennis star Hubert Hurkacz is scheduled to compete at the Shanghai Masters despite withdrawing injured from his semi-final at the Beijing ATP 500 tournament, according to Polsat Sport.
The Wrocław native was forced to retire from his match against Australia’s Alex de Minaur on Saturday whilst leading 6-4, 3-2. Hurkacz suffered an adductor problem during the encounter but has indicated his intention to participate in the next event on the Asian swing.
The 27-year-old has been in strong form during the Asian leg of the season. He reached the final of the ATP 250 tournament in Chengdu before advancing to the semi-finals in Beijing, demonstrating consistent performance at both levels of competition.
Shanghai draw and potential Djokovic clash
The Shanghai Masters, an ATP Masters 1000 event, will take place between 8 and 17 October. Hurkacz currently remains on the entry list and has already learned his first-round opponent.
The Polish number one is scheduled to face Australian player James Duckworth in the opening round. Should he progress, a second-round meeting with Serbian legend Novak Djokovic awaits, setting up what would be a marquee encounter at one of tennis’s most prestigious tournaments.
The Shanghai Masters represents one of nine ATP Masters 1000 events held annually, sitting just below the Grand Slams in terms of prestige and ranking points. Victory at such tournaments can significantly boost a player’s position in the world rankings.
Injury concerns ahead of crucial tournament
The decision to compete in Shanghai will depend on how quickly Hurkacz recovers from the adductor issue that ended his Beijing campaign prematurely. Adductor injuries, which affect the inner thigh muscles, typically require rest and careful management to prevent aggravation.
Hurkacz’s willingness to enter the tournament suggests he believes the injury is manageable, though his fitness will likely be tested in the opening rounds. The Polish player has had to manage physical setbacks throughout his career whilst competing at the highest level of professional tennis.
What this means for Poles in the UK
Polish tennis fans in Britain will be able to follow Hurkacz’s progress at the Shanghai Masters through television and streaming coverage of the ATP Tour. The tournament begins on 8 October, with main draw matches typically scheduled throughout the week to accommodate viewers in different time zones.
For members of the Polish community interested in supporting their compatriot, the match against Duckworth will be Hurkacz’s first appearance, with the exact date and time to be confirmed when the full schedule is released. Should he advance to face Djokovic, that match would likely receive prominent coverage given the Serbian’s global profile.
Hurkacz remains Poland’s highest-ranked male tennis player and one of the country’s most successful athletes on the international stage. His performances in Asia, despite the injury setback, demonstrate he remains competitive at the elite level of professional tennis.
