Alex de Minaur levelled the scoring in Australia’s quarterfinal tie with Poland at the United Cup by emerging victorious in a thrilling encounter with Hubert Hurkacz.
Following Iga Swiatek‘s 6-1, 6-1 victory over Maya Joint earlier in the day, the world number six came out on top in a tough three-set clash with Hurkacz.
The Pole forced a decider in the match by clinching the second set in a defiant display, but de Minaur held his nerve in the third and earned the victory 6-4, 4-6, 6-4.
Reacting immediately after his win, the 26-year-old had incredibly high praise for Hurkacz.
Alex de Minaur reacts to his win over Hubert Hurkacz in Sydney
In his on-court interview, de Minaur said: “Nights like these… These are just the best.
“I mean, I love playing here, I love playing in front of you guys. The atmosphere from the very first point to the last was amazing.
What does Alex de Minaur need to change to challenge Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner?
When asked about Hurkacz, de Minaur said: “I mean, he’s an incredible talent and I’m just so happy to see him back on tour because he’s a very dangerous player.
“I’m not happy playing him but I’m happy that he’s back. I’m sure he’s going to do a lot of damage and, yeah, I’m glad to see him healthy, but for me, I just had to fight him off from the first point to the last.
“[It was] a huge mental effort and yeah we’re still alive so happy days.”
De Minaur made just two unforced errors in the final set, which he said was necessary in order to get the win.
“That’s what it took,” explained de Minaur reacting to the statistic. “That’s honestly what it took today.
“I’m glad that I was able to bounce back; it wasn’t easy. I lost that second set [and] I had some dark thoughts in my head, but I’m glad I bounced back.”
Poland ultimately sealed the tie against Australia after winning the mixed doubles match.
Hubert Hurkacz’s season ending injury during the 2025 season
Hurkacz called an early end to his 2025 season when he sustained an injury in the summer.
In September last year, he announced he would call a halt to his campaign after undergoing arthroscopic right knee surgery.
His last appearance on the ATP Tour prior to 2026 was in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, where he withdrew from his second-round match.
Who is your favorite ATP player right now?
Before that, Hurkacz had reached a tour-level final at the Geneva Open, but lost to Novak Djokovic, with the Serb claiming his 100th title.
Hurkacz has enjoyed a positive start to his 2026 season, having earned wins over Alexander Zverev and Tallon Griekspoor at the United Cup.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
