Interview: Hubert Hurkacz on his career, future goals and watches

Maciej Kopyto: First of all, I would like to thank you very much for finding the time and agreeing to answer a few of our questions. Watching your career, I can only guess how intense your life is, and time plays a fundamental role in it, not only on the court.

At the beginning, I wanted to ask you about your dreams related to tennis when you started your career? Have you managed to fulfill any of them?

Hubert Hurkacz: Since I started my career, my dream has always been to win Grand Slams and become number one in the world. Those are the big dreams and goals. Like most players, I began at the Futures level, then progressed to Challengers, and eventually the ATP Tour. The aim is always to keep improving—first, you strive to break into the top 100, then the top 10.

I’ve managed to achieve some of those goals, like winning Masters 1000 titles in Miami and Shanghai, which were incredible experiences. But there are still many more things I’m looking forward to accomplishing.

So far, you have won 7 singles tournaments. Which match was the most challenging for you, and which victory was the most important to you?

Many matches have been challenging, almost every single one, but a huge step for me was winning my first Masters 1000 title. Before that, my best result was a quarterfinal, and I hadn’t won a 500-level event either.

So, winning a Masters 1000 while ranked outside the top 30 was a big deal for me.


Photo: 3MPG.ch for Huberta Hurkacza


Photo: 3MPG.ch for Huberta Hurkacza

Achieving that last year in Shanghai, especially in an intense match against Andrey Rublev that ended 10-8 in a final set tiebreaker, was incredible. It was one of the biggest challenges I’ve faced, and I really had to battle hard.

What goals do you set for yourself for the upcoming seasons?

I focus on improving every single day.

My goal is to learn a little bit more each day and keep getting better. It’s all part of the journey. Ultimately, I see myself winning Grand Slams and becoming number one in the world, and I hope to achieve that soon.

I wish you that and I support you!

Since our passion are watches, now I wanted to ask you a few questions related to them. Do you remember your first watch as a child?

As a kid, I always loved watches. I have a photo from when I was around seven years old, playing in tournaments, wearing a sports watch with a stopwatch feature.

From an early age, I dreamed of having a watch that I could wear during matches, training, and everyday activities.

How important is a watch to you during training and matches?

For me, watches are practical, especially during fitness exercises or on the tennis court. You can time your workouts, track your performance, and stay focused.





During matches you can be seen with some rather unusual watches on your wrist. Do you work with any brands as their ambassadors? If so, what does that cooperation look like?

I’m currently an ambassador for Gerald Charles watches, and it’s truly a privilege. The brand has an incredible history, especially with the legacy of Gérald Genta, who created masterpieces throughout his career.

It’s amazing to be part of this brand and to grow alongside it.

Do you think watches can reflect the personality of their owner?

The watches you wear are a reflection of who you are and what you want to be associated with. With Gerald Charles, there are different options—from sports watches I use during matches to elegant pieces perfect for a gala.

Many athletes collect watches. Do you have a collection as well? If so, what models are predominant in it?

In my collection, I have a variety of Gerald Charles watches, from skeleton to sports models, and one elegant rose gold piece.

Each one is unique and special.

We often see tennis players playing with a watch on their wrist. Does a watch interfere with your game?

As I mentioned earlier, I always dreamed of being an ambassador and playing with a watch. The Gerald Charles watches I wear are super light, and with the crown positioned on the left side, they don’t interfere with my game or movement at all.

Modern watches are often packed with technology that can help athletes monitor their performance. Do you use watches with training or health-monitoring functions?

When I’m practicing, especially during interval runs, I monitor my heart rate. This is important for me, and together with my fitness coach, we track everything to make sure I’m performing at my best.


Photo: 3MPG.ch for Huberta Hurkacza


Photo: 3MPG.ch for Huberta Hurkacza

Do you have a favorite watch model that you wear daily? Or do you have a special watch that you wear during important tournaments, like a good luck charm?

I love the Maestro Rose Gold Chronograph watch—it’s both casual and elegant, perfect for everyday wear.

Skeleton watches are also fantastic, and I really enjoy wearing them. Of course, when traveling for tournaments, I can’t bring them all, so I usually travel with one or two—one to play with and another for daily wear. They often bring me luck.

Tennis is quite an elite and "elegant" sport, similar to golf or sailing. Does this kind of discipline define the type of watch that suits the outfit?

Depending on the sport you’re playing, the type of watch you can wear may vary.

For tennis, I need something light and comfortable that won’t affect my movement. If you’re doing a sport that requires a lot of activity and movement, having a light, comfortable watch is essential.

Finally, please tell us how you spend your free time after an intense tournament season? Do watches accompany you during moments of relaxation?



After last season, I had the chance to attend an F1 race, which was an incredible experience. I’ve always loved motorsports. I also enjoy playing golf, and whether I’m watching a race or on the golf course, my watch is always with me.

Thank you very much for this conversation.

I wish you continued success on the court, and above all, the realization of your dream – winning the Grand Slam tournaments and becoming number 1 in the world.

Thank you and greetings to the Readers of “Watches & Passion” (Zegarki i Pasja).

…

(ENG) This interview was first published in Polish on our website in October 2024. It can be found - here. Due to its popularity, we have decided to also publish the original English version so that readers around the world can read it.

(POL) Powyższy wywiad pierwszy raz ukazał się w portalu Zegarki i Pasja po polsku. Można zapoznać się z nim tu - rozmowa z Hubertem Hurkaczem. Z racji popularności zdecydowaliśmy się zaprezentować także jego wersję w języku angielskim, aby mogli się z nim zapoznać czytelnicy z całego świata.