Hubert Hurkacz reveals help from ‘really supportive’ Novak Djokovic ahead of post-meniscus comeback
Hubert Hurkacz has revealed that he spoke with a “really supportive” Novak Djokovic as he prepares for his comeback from a meniscus injury.
The Polish star was forced to retire injured in his Wimbledon round two match against Arthur Fils last month after appearing to injure his knee diving on court.
The 27-year-old later revealed that he had suffered a meniscus tear in his right knee, similar to the injury that Djokovic suffered at the French Open in early June.
Hurkacz was ultimately forced to withdraw from the Olympic Games and undergo a minor surgical procedure to avoid any further complications.
But he will be taking heart from Djokovic’s return, with the Serbian having bounced back to reach the Wimbledon final and win Olympic gold.
Speaking to the ATP, Hurkacz revealed that conversations with Djokovic had helped him decide to go under the knife.
“Definitely just really inspiring what he did, especially winning the gold medal,” said Hurkacz.
“I also texted Novak. He was really, really supportive and helpful as well and it just was a different situation, it was a difficult situation trying to make the decision. At the end, I knew I needed to have surgery.
“I knew I couldn’t really move on the court, so the Olympics was unfortunately out of the window. I was dreaming of playing there for the whole year, but I just knew that it just was not going to be possible.
“The wounds were still not healed. I just couldn’t be going there. It was too much of a risk and also I couldn’t move on the court, so it was just not going to work.”
Hurkacz is back in action at the Canadian Open this week, facing Thanasia Kokkinakis on Thursday night.
That will be the first match for the Pole since his injury, and also his first match since reaching a career-high of sixth on the ATP Rankings.
And he admits that he will now “appreciate” what has been able to achieve more, having spent some time on the sidelines.
He added: “There are so many things we went through as a team and many difficult decisions.
“It just really makes you appreciate what you’re doing daily and sometimes you might get lost because you’re just constantly pursuing to get better, to win matches, to try to win the tournaments and win the Grand Slams.
“You don’t really appreciate the moment at some point and now I really had a moment to pause and reflect.”
