“No Time for Euphoria”: Hubert Hurkacz Describes His Emotions After Defeating Roger Federer at Wimbledon Championships 2021

Before the start of the 2021 Wimbledon Championships, Hubert Hurkacz had not gone past the third round at any Grand Slam event. However, apart from finishing as the semifinalist at the All England Club this year, Hurkacz also registered the biggest victory of his career by defeating, Roger Federer, in the quarterfinals.

The Polish tennis star handed Federer his worst loss at Wimbledon, winning against the 8-time champion in straight sets with the third set being a bagel. It was the first time the Swiss Maestro lost a set 0-6 at his beloved Grand Slam.

Hubert Hurkacz bares his emotions

Recently, during an interview, the host asked Hurkacz whether it was mentally hard to focus on his semifinal against Matteo Berrettini after a historic win against Federer in such an emphatic fashion.

In response, the 24-year-old mentioned that although he tried to concentrate on the upcoming semifinal, however, achieving his dream of winning against his childhood idol certainly worked on his mind.

“I tried to switch off the emotions and focus on the upcoming semi-final, but of course, fulfilling one of my childhood dreams works on the imagination,” said Hurkacz.

Hurkacz, who rose to a career-high ranking of World No.11 post-Wimbledon, stated there is no time to celebrate during the tournament since you’re required to quickly shift your focus on the next match.

“At the tournament, there is no time for celebration, no time for euphoria, because you are about to have the next match, which is even more important. I tried to control my thoughts, focus on regeneration, tactics, tasks to be performed,” said Hurkacz.

After achieving success at Wimbledon, Hurkacz is now gearing up for the pandemic-delayed Tokyo Olympics, which begin in a few days. In fact, this would be the first time Hurkacz would play at the Olympics, and going by his recent performances, he boosts the medal hopes for Poland.

He would compete for the singles medal as well for the doubles alongside partner, Lukasz Kubot. Apart from Hurkacz, the 2020 French Open champion, Iga Swiatek, forms a pivotal part of the Polish contingent.