It all comes down to this—a battle of titans on the grand stage! The United Cup has reached its final stretch, and all eyes are on Sydney for a high-stakes showdown between Team USA and Team Poland. Fans and players alike are bracing for an electrifying Super Sunday. One match that sparks discussion? Taylor Fritz versus Hubert Hurkacz. Both players had stellar runs last season, proving their mettle against the best in the business. Fritz, the cool and collected American, has been a rock for Team USA, while Hurkacz, Poland’s ace in the pack, has shown his knack for clutch performances. So, who will emerge victorious in this epic battle?

Taylor Fritz vs Hubert Hurkacz: Preview

Taylor Fritz witnessed a remarkable season last year, winning two titles, at Delray Beach and Eastbourne. While he advanced closer to more glories like the finals of the US Open and the ATP Finals in Turin, he could not convert them into title wins, but these campaigns established him as a formidable force on the courts. At the United Cup, Fritz started his campaign with a setback and lost to Felix Auger-Aliassime in a three-setter match. However, he was quick to bounce back, winning all the other matches he played in the tournament. 

In his latest match against Tomas Machac, Fritz witnessed an amalgamation of skills and luck helping him secure a spot in the finals. Although he lost the first set and trailed 5-2 in the second set, he managed to take a lead and reach 6-5 before Machac eventually decided to retire from the match. However, his next clash is not going to be free from challenges. 

Hubert Hurkacz played equally remarkable tennis last season winning the title in Estoril. Besides, he also depicted immense resilience in other important events like the Halle Open where he won the runner-up title. However, as he started his campaign at the United Cup, he faced unexpected setbacks and lost his first two encounters. But true to his nature, he clawed back in style winning the other two matches. In his latest match against Alexander Shevchenko, he won in straight sets 6-3, 6-2. 

Fritz vs Hurkacz: Head-to-Head

The American tennis sensation has faced his Polish counterpart four times on the tennis courts. Showing true dominance, Fritz has defeated Hurkacz on 3 occasions. And for the Polish star, his victory came long ago in 2019. 

• 2024 ATP Masters 1000 Madrid R16: Fritz 7-6(2), 6-4
• 2023 United Cup SF: Fritz 7-6(5), 76(5)
• 2019 ATP Masters 1000 Canada R64: Hurkacz 6-3, 7-5
• 2019 Eastbourne QF: Fritz 6-4, 7-6(5)

Prediction: Fritz to win in three sets

Taylor Fritz remained consistent throughout the season last year. With a win-loss record of 52-23 in 2024, the American star continued to pull surprising victories and outshine tough competitors throughout. As against, Hubert Hurkacz won 40 of the 59 matches he played. Hence, there is not much of a difference when it comes to the win-loss ratio, but Fritz clearly has a lead. However, the upcoming match might go a little deeper, given the high stakes it involves, and the opportunities it brings for both players. 

Notably, both players love playing on the hard courts and have depicted remarkable progress on them last year. With the United Cup taking place on a similar surface, both players will try to bring out their A-game. What makes the match more interesting is the fact that both players have a similar playing style as well. Fritz and Hurkacz love playing aggressive games with their forehand being one of their biggest weapons. Hurkacz has hit 736 aces in 2024 and committed just 94 double faults. On the contrary, Fritz fired 725 aces last season! However, the American knows how to take the game deep and has the potential to use his experience better on a bigger stage.

While the match promises to be intense and thrilling, the dominant form that Fritz has been in recently gives him an upper hand in the match. And despite Hurkacz giving a tough challenge to the American, it is unlikely for him to outshine him in the match.