Hubert Hurkacz vs Novak Djokovic – Round of 16 – Preview & Prediction | 2023 Wimbledon Championships
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
THE FACTS
When is Hubert Hurkacz vs Novak Djokovic on and what time does it start? Hubert Hurkacz vs Novak Djokovic will take place on Sunday 9th July, 2023 – not before 16:45 (UK)
Where is Hubert Hurkacz vs Novak Djokovic taking place? Hubert Hurkacz vs Novak Djokovic will take place at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London, England
What surface is Hubert Hurkacz vs Novak Djokovic being played on? Hubert Hurkacz vs Novak Djokovic will take place on an outdoor grass court
Where can I get tickets for Hubert Hurkacz vs Novak Djokovic? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Hubert Hurkacz vs Novak Djokovic
What channel is Hubert Hurkacz vs Novak Djokovic on in the UK? Hubert Hurkacz vs Novak Djokovic will be televised live on BBC platforms as well as Eurosport
Where can I stream Hubert Hurkacz vs Novak Djokovic in the UK? Hubert Hurkacz vs Novak Djokovic can be streamed live on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website & app, while subscribers can stream the match on Eurosport platforms
THE LOWDOWN
HUBERT HURKACZ
World number 18 Hubert Hurkacz has strung together three-successive straight set wins for what feels like the first time in years, although more specifically since Roland-Garros last summer, to look a serious threat once again at Wimbledon. The 26-year-old reached the semi-finals here in 2021 before defeat to runner-up Matteo Berrettini, becoming the final player to beat Roger Federer on tour in the quarter-finals. Hurkacz first blossomed as an excellent grass-courter in a four-set defeat to Novak Djokovic here in 2019 and he claimed the Halle Open last summer on the surface to further prove his credentials.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC
It is hard to remember a time when Wimbledon had a clearer title favourite than four-time defending champion and seven-time overall champion Novak Djokovic. The 36-year-old made it 31 wins on the spin at SW19 with an assured display over old rival Stan Wawrinka late on Friday night and he is yet to drop a set this campaign, playing well from the off in contrast to recent seasons. World number two Djokovic can draw level with Roger Federer’s record eight titles this fortnight but he has bigger fish to fry as he makes yet another attempt at the calendar slam, having won both the Australian Open and Roland-Garros this year to take the Men’s record to 23 Grand Slam titles.
THE PREDICTION
This should be a thrilling battle for a set or two between Novak Djokovic and Hubert Hurkacz but despite finding some joy against the Serb over the years he trails 0-5 in their head-to-head record. Hurkacz is one of the better grass-courters on tour with an excellent net game but he faces perhaps the greatest ever on this surface in Djokovic, who has looked imperious without even reaching top gear yet at SW19. You could add a tiebreak here with two of their five matches seeing at least one but the likelihood is that Djokovic navigates past his toughest foe yet in straight sets all the same.
