Wimbledon made their draw earlier this morning for the 2025 edition of the competition, but one section has now been thrown into disrepute.
After all, one of its stars has withdrawn.
A former world number six who once reached the semi-finals at the All-England Club just three years ago, it marks a huge blow for the event.
However, it should come as no surprise given his injury track record has been spotty over the last few years.
Regardless, a Wimbledon without Hubert Hurkacz is a real shame.
Hubert Hurkacz explains why he has withdrawn from Wimbledon
Taking to Instagram, the Polish powerhouse has revealed his reasons behind making such a big decision on the eve of the tournament’s commencement.
Hurkacz admitted: ‘Not an easy post to write. Together with my team, I’ve made the decision to withdraw from this year’s Wimbledon.
‘During preparations, my body reacted – synovial membrane irritation – which is part of the recovery process from my surgery. It needs rest and treatment, and I need to listen to my body. Thank you for all the love and support -it means the world.’
He finished his post with a promise: ‘I’ll be back soon.’
This marks the latest withdrawal from a top player, with Seb Korda, Casper Ruud and Arthur Fils all set to miss the event too.
Hubert Hurkacz would have been a huge threat at Wimbledon
With a play style completely built around his thunderous serve, Hurkacz would surely have been a threat at Wimbledon this year.
Especially given that, with recent injuries and a loss of form, he would have been entering the draw unseeded.
Billy Harris of Great Britain will likely be silently glad that a player of Hurkacz’s quality has been removed from their first-round showdown, as will Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev, the two highest seeds in his area of the draw.
It is a sad state of affairs for the 28-year-old, who has always been a threat on this surface.
But, when an injury like this flares up, there’s little that can be done. This comes after Hurkacz withdrew from Monte-Carlo as well, hinting that such a big withdrawal was in the offing.
Hopefully, he can return fully fit next year to provide as many upsets as he likely would have caused at this year’s Wimbledon.
