In first match in seven months, Hubert Hurkacz takes out Alexander Zverev at United Cup

The second half of 2025 was a difficult time for Hubert Hurkacz—after withdrawing mid-tournament in ’s-Hertogenbosch in June with a back injury, he underwent right knee surgery in early July and wasn't able to play again for the rest of the season.

The former No. 6's ranking plummeted to No. 73 by the end of the year, and he came into this week even further down at No. 83.

But he served up a return to remember at the United Cup in Sydney on Monday—playing his first match in seven months, he stunned current world No. 3 Alexander Zverev at the team event, 6-3, 6-4.

And he did it in style, too, blasting 21 aces—including eight aces in nine service points in one stretch at the end of the first set. He had a 67% first serve percentage, winning 86% of those points, and fought off the only break point he faced the entire match.

He also converted two of his own three break point chances.

“It’s been a while since I’ve been competing,” he said afterwards. “I mean, seven months, I was going through difficult times with the team, and it was very challenging. But they were all supporting me. We went through a long period of time not competing and not knowing when we would be able to be back on the court again.

“I was just trying to enjoy every moment on the court here today.”

And on his serving display? “Yeah, I was serving quite well, finding good spots,” he said. “It’s definitely a nice feeling to have a good rhythm on the serve, and I’m so pleased with the performance.

“It was so much fun to see the fans again. They were amazing."

And that’s not all—Hurkacz’s victory over the No. 3-ranked Zverev was also the milestone 20th Top 10 win of his career, making him the 11th man born in 1997 or later to hit that number.

MEN BORN IN 1997 OR LATER WITH 20+ CAREER TOP 10 WINS:

• 59: Jannik Sinner [born in 2001]
• 58: Alexander Zverev [born in 1997]
• 52: Carlos Alcaraz [born in 2003]
• 35: Stefanos Tsitsipas [born in 1998]
• 34: Taylor Fritz [born in 1997]
• 27: Andrey Rublev [born in 1997]
• 25: Felix Auger-Aliassime [born in 2000]
• 20: Holger Rune [born in 2003]
• 20: Alex de Minaur [born in 1999]
• 20: Casper Ruud [born in 1998]
• 20: Hubert Hurkacz [born in 1997]