“This season hasn’t been the easiest, but I never stopped working and believing in myself,” Hubert Hurkacz said after winning the Shanghai Masters in 2023. Despite that triumph, the Polish player has struggled recently. His last title was at Estoril last season, and since then, it’s been an uphill battle. After an early Australian Open exit, he showed signs of progress by reaching the Rotterdam semis and the Italian Open quarterfinals. Now at the Geneva Open, he’s again in the quarters, set to face Taylor Fritz. What’s his mindset going into the match?

On Wednesday, Hurkacz, the No. 6 seed, defeated Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech 6-4, 6-1 to reach the last eight at the Geneva Open, held at Tennis Club de Genève. Ranked No. 31, he had earlier beaten French wildcard Arthur Cazaux 6-3, 6-4. He’s showing strong progress on the red soil. However, it seems like he’s got other plans to prepare for his meeting with Fritz.

During the on-court interview, via an X user’s tweet, when asked, “What will you work on before the next match tomorrow for Taylor?” Hubert said, sounding nonchalant, “Probably nothing.” Could it be his confidence against the American No.1? Only the Pole can answer that. But does he have an edge over Fritz?

Their head-to-head stands at 4-1 in favor of Fritz, but the American’s form this season has been inconsistent. After a strong finish last year, reaching the US Open and ATP Finals and breaking into the ATP top 5, Fritz’s clay season has been rocky.

He started his season by winning the United Cup with Team USA, beating Hubert Hurkacz in the process. However, after that, he faced early exits at the Australian Open and Dallas. He reached the Delray Beach quarters and Miami Open semis but struggled on clay with early losses in Madrid and the Italian Open.

In Geneva, Fritz started well, beating Quentin Halys 6-4, 7-6. Comparing their clay stats, Hurkacz’s serve and forehand plus-one are his big weapons. However, Fritz’s game should neutralize those strengths on clay and in longer rallies where Hurkacz is not as strong. On the other hand, former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli seems to have a better read on Taylor’s chances.

Former pro explains what gives Taylor Fritz an “edge” compared to other players

Speaking on Grandes Gueules du Sport on RMC, Marion Bartoli singled out Taylor Fritz as the only top-eight seed who might miss the quarterfinals at Roland Garros. Bartoli said, “What is certain is that if we take the top eight seeds at Roland-Garros, so in order Sinner, Alcaraz, Zverev, Fritz, Draper, Djokovic, Ruud and Musetti, the only player who could possibly not be present in the quarter-finals is Fritz.” She added, “The others, I don’t see, given the tennis they are currently capable of playing, how they could not be at the quarter-finals.”

The 2024 US Open runner-up has had a decent 2025 season so far. However, Clay has not been Fritz’s strongest surface despite steady improvement; he holds a career clay record of 82 wins and 56 losses, about a 59.42% win rate, but no ATP clay titles yet.

In comparison, Hubert Hurkacz boasts a stronger clay record with 114 wins and 71 losses, a 61.62% win rate as of 2025. While clay has historically been Hurkacz’s least dominant surface, he made a breakthrough by winning his first ATP clay title at the 2024 Millennium Estoril Open. He also reached the French Open fourth round in both 2022 and 2024, showing steady growth on the red dirt.

With these two set to clash in the Geneva Open quarterfinals, tennis fans are in for an exciting match. Will Hubert finally overthrow Taylor at their sixth meeting? Share your thoughts below!