Hubert Hurkacz picked Roger Federer ahead of Rafael Nadal while playing a game hosted by the Diriyah Tennis Cup. Ahead of the Diriyah Tennis Cup in Saudi Arabia, Hurkacz took part in the “what do you choose” game hosted by the tournament organizers.
One of the questions Hurkacz received asked him to pick between Federer and Nadal.
Net or baseline, what do you choose @HubertHurkacz?🤷🏼♂️🎾⁉️#DiriyahTennisCup #DiriyahSeason #DTC #SaudiArabia #Aramco pic.twitter.com/MQGy19luQH — Diriyah Tennis Cup (@DiriyahCup) December 5, 2022
Hurkacz, 25, spoke several times about how he grew up watching and idolizing Federer.
Because of that, his answer shouldn’t really be surprising.
Hurkacz was the last player to beat Federer at a Grand Slam
In last year’s Wimbledon quarterfinal, Hurkacz claimed one of the biggest wins of his career when he beat Federer 6-3 7-6 (4) 6-0.
For Hurkacz, playing against his idol and beating him at Wimbledon was something extremely special. “I mean, definitely, a very, very, very big moment for me. I mean, just playing Roger there at Wimbledon and playing a really, really good match was something special, and then that I was able to win, it just makes it way more enjoyable than just just experiencing the match (and) not having an opportunity to play in the next round.
So, yeah, so definitely, that was just, you know, so much fun to play with Roger,” Hurkacz told Essentially Sports in March. Hurkacz, who had a great level of respect for Federer’s tennis qualities, also underlined that the Swiss is a great person too.
“Yeah, I mean, definitely winning against him, it’s something special, and Grass, in the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam, that makes it even more special. I mean, he is just such a nice person and a great guide, super relaxed, and definitely inspiring what he has achieved throughout his career and the person he is,” Hurkacz added.
After losing to Hurkacz, Federer underwent his third knee surgery. Federer never again played in a singles match as Hurkacz will forever be remembered as the one who defeated Federer in the Swiss’ last official singles match.
