Hubert Hurkacz retired from his fourth-round Wimbledon clash against Jan-Lennard Struff on 8 July 2024 after a fifth-set collapse in which he repeatedly asked to change his underwear. The world No. 96, already two sets down, fought through a grueling four-hour battle before conceding midway through the decider.
What happened on Centre Court?
Hurkacz led two sets to love before Struff mounted a stunning comeback. At 5-5 in the fourth set, the Pole grimaced after a serve and immediately called for the physiotherapist. Officials noted it was “a different problem” as Hurkacz left the court for treatment. He returned but dropped the next two games, losing the set 7-6(5).
As daylight faded on the outdoor No. 2 Court, Hurkacz demanded a break, claiming conditions were “too dark.” He then launched into a frantic plea to change clothes—specifically his underwear—telling the umpire: “I need to change the underwear. I cannot… I need to change.” Commentators dismissed the claim as daylight remained sufficient, while Struff ignored the theatrics and prepared for the fifth set.
The final collapse
Hurkacz started the fifth set strongly, breaking Struff’s serve to open. But the Pole’s discomfort was obvious, wincing after every point. Struff broke back immediately, and Hurkacz summoned the physio twice more during changeovers. The German earned break points at 3-2, and Hurkacz’s resistance crumbled. He lost his serve, then conceded the match 3-6 6-7(5) 7-6(6) 7-5 4-2.
The 29-year-old walked straight to the net to shake Struff’s hand, ending his campaign just two years after a career-threatening knee injury sustained on the same court in the second round. He tried to push through the 2024 season but played only a handful of tournaments and failed to regain form.
Why it matters for Hurkacz
This retirement marks another setback in Hurkacz’s recovery from the 2022 knee injury that sidelined him for months. His Wimbledon exit—amid bizarre off-court drama—raises fresh questions about his physical readiness ahead of the hard-court swing. The Pole, once a Wimbledon semi-finalist in 2021, has struggled to recapture that form.
Struff, 36, advances to his first-ever Grand Slam quarter-final. His unshaken focus contrasted sharply with Hurkacz’s visible distress, a reminder of how quickly momentum can shift in five-set battles. The contrast underscores the mental and physical toll of elite tennis, where a single moment can derail a campaign.
What comes next?
Hurkacz’s immediate future remains unclear. His limited 2024 schedule suggests he’s still managing the knee issue, and no return timeline has been confirmed. The Polish team has not issued a statement on his next tournament.
For Struff, the quarter-final awaits against either Carlos Alcaraz or Holger Rune. The German, ranked outside the top 50, has defied expectations this fortnight, proving age is just a number in modern tennis. His clash with a top seed looms as a potential career highlight.
Struff’s composure under pressure stood in stark relief to Hurkacz’s struggles. The Pole’s Wimbledon exit, though bizarre, highlights the unforgiving nature of the sport—and the fine line between perseverance and self-preservation.