Hubert Hurkacz taking it all in on ATP Tour after injury scare
Hubert Hurkacz says that he was suprised with how quickly he was able to get back on tour after undergoing surgery for a meniscus tear he sustained at Wimbledon.
The Pole believes that his time on the sidelines has reignited his passion for thrilling the fans.
Having spent his time focused on recovery, the reigning Shanghai Masters champion is happy to be able to hit the court again.
“It’s been really great for me to be back so quickly,” Hurkacz said.
“My knee is fine now. With my physiotherapist and my strength coach, we’ve spent the last few weeks focusing 100% on recovery, so you really appreciate being back.
“When the season is going on, you go from place to place and you don’t have a moment to stop and appreciate who you are and what you’re doing. To be here, to see so many fans and to be back on the track means a lot.
“At Wimbledon I tore my meniscus in two places, I heard two loud cracks, but I played the point even though it had come out of place.
“The next day I had an MRI and the diagnosis was serious.
“There were two options. Remove the damaged part or repair it.
“Most doctors advised me to do the latter, but with my team I thought the best solution was to remove it. I would have been ready for the Australian Open, but they don’t give you a great guarantee that it won’t happen again. After the surgery, a few hours later, the same day, I started walking and putting pressure on my leg,” he added.
Hurkacz is not renowned for over-the-top behaviour or outbursts on the court. On the contrary, the Pole is one of the least expressive players on the circuit, and he appears almost bashful.
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But his coach, Craig Boynton, who knows him better than anybody else, understands how much his protégé can let go when he is in a position to be himself.
Boynton disclosed that Hurkacz is especially fond of fast cars and thinks he could have been a racing driver.
“Like most shy people, when they get comfortable with you, they open up. That’s just Hubi. He just doesn’t show it all the time. He’s a sweet guy. He loves to drive fast. He loves fast cars. He loves McLarens, which is kind of the opposite of his personality,” Boynton said.
“He would be an incredible race car driver. One year, he picked me up from where I usually stay in Indian Wells. I was in the car texting. The car stopped at a red light. The light turned green and I wasn’t paying attention.
“All of a sudden, my whole body was glued to the back of the seat. I couldn’t breathe for a few seconds! I was like, ‘Dude, you gotta tell me if you do this!’ He just laughed. So if you ever get in a McLaren with Hubie, put your phone away, keep your eyes up, and pay attention.”
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