Hubert Hurkacz stunned as Struff reaches quarterfinals after Polish star retires

Hubert Hurkacz’s run at the ATP tournament ended abruptly on 15 July when he retired mid-match against Jan-Lennard Struff, sending the German into the quarterfinals.

What happened?

The match, part of the ATP circuit, saw Hurkacz face Struff in a high-stakes clash. With the Pole already down a set, he withdrew before the second set could begin. The retirement came after Struff had taken the first set 6-4, leaving Hurkacz unable to continue. The German, ranked 32nd in the world, capitalized on the Polish star’s absence to advance.

Why it matters for Hubert Hurkacz

This marks a rare setback for Hurkacz, who has been a consistent force in men’s tennis this season. The 29-year-old, known for his powerful serve and aggressive baseline play, had been bidding for another deep run. His exit shifts the tournament’s dynamics, opening a path for Struff to chase higher points.

What comes next?

Struff now faces a tougher draw in the quarterfinals, where he’ll likely meet a seeded opponent. For Hurkacz, the focus turns to recovery and his next event. The Polish star remains a top-10 player, and such retirements are uncommon in his career. His team will assess the situation before his next appearance.

The bigger picture

Hurkacz’s resilience has defined his 2026 season so far. He entered this tournament as a title contender, but injuries or fatigue can derail even the best. Struff, meanwhile, adds this quarterfinal berth to his growing momentum. The contrast between the two-one exiting early, the other surging-highlights the tournament’s unpredictability.