Wildcard Jan Choinski’s Wimbledon run terminated by former doubles partner Hubert Hurkacz
Hubert Hurkacz showed no mercy to his former doubles partner Jan Choinski as he sent the Briton packing in the second round at Wimbledon.
German-born Choinski, the son of an English ballet dancer, partnered with the 17th seed up until 2016, but could not match him on Court 18 as Hurkacz won 6-4 6-4 7-6 (3).
Defeat brings to an end Choinski’s first appearance in SW19 having been given a wild card, leaving just four Britons remaining in the draw.
Still, it has been a few days to remember for the 27-year-old, ranked 164 in the world, as he enjoyed a maiden grand slam win on Monday when he beat world number 56 Dusan Lajovic.
Choinski was always up against it, saving break points early on, but Hurkacz, who made the 2021 semi-finals at SW19, kept knocking on the door and crucially made the breakthrough at 4-4 and then served the first set out.
The second set followed an identical pattern with a key break at 4-4 putting Hurkacz in firm control.
After saving several break points throughout the third set, Choinski’s moment came at 6-5 when he had three set points at 0-40 on Hurkacz’s serve, but he could not convert them.
With that his chance disappeared as the Pole dominated the tie-break to seal a straight-sets win and book his spot in the third round.
Choinski was happy with his level despite the result.
“I felt like I was playing good tennis. The match was very competitive. We played over two hours. You know, I think the first two sets were decided each by one break.
“Yeah, I tried my best. You know, unlucky that I got broken twice in set No. 1 and set 2 at 4-All. Then in third set when I had the three set points, you know, sad about not making those, but that’s tennis. That’s life. Then, you know, I’m happy the way I performed today.
“I couldn’t thank the people more that gave me the opportunity to play in this tournament. I feel like, you know, it has to do with a lot of trust, as well, trusting me that I’ve got the level to compete at this level. Yeah, just want to say huge thanks.
“You know, I have learnt a lot during the past couple of days. I think just going to take out all the positive bits, and also super happy about winning my first Grand Slam match.
“I would be very happy coming back next year. Maybe, you know, even without needing a wild card for the main draw, try my best to get my ranking to a position where I can enter the tournament by myself.”
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