Swiss maestro Roger Federer ended his 2021 season with a 9-4 win-loss record on the ATP Tour. Federer participated in only a few tournaments and even there, struggled for full fitness. As a result, his rankings spot got severely hit, hanging on the edge of the Top 10. On the other side, Polish star Hubert Hurkacz has had a sensational year with three ATP titles, including the Miami Masters 1000 so far. Moreover, with success at Indian Wells Masters 2021, he had an opportunity to debut in the Top 10. 

In the Indian Wells Round of 32, Hubert Hurkacz faced American Frances Tiafoe. Although they both seemed inseparable on paper, the 24-year-old Pole had the edge based on his consistency. Eventually, Hubert delivered as he defeated the American professional 6-3, 6-2.

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Hubert Hurkacz might enter Top 10; Roger Federer surely out of Top 10

Earlier, the Polish professional crushed Roger Federer‘s Wimbledon dream, defeating him in the quarterfinals. Now, Hurkacz has pushed him out of the Top 10 as he enters the Indian Wells Masters Last 16.

Notably, the last time Federer was not in the Top 10 was in January 2017. However, Federer’s knee injuries and the subsequent lack of tournaments that Roger played in the past two years have cost him his place in the Top 10. It begs a serious question: Will Federer ever return to regain his place in the elite ATP Club? Although the answer is uncertain as of now, the 40-year-old has revealed only positive news regarding his 2022 comeback.

Regardless of the implications for Federer, it is extremely good news for Hurkacz to finally see his hard work pay off. Besides him, even the Norwegian Casper Ruud made his debut in the ATP Top 10 rankings this year.

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Hurkacz vs. Tiafoe: Indian Wells Masters 2021 R3

In the first set, Hurkacz held his composure, forcing Tiafoe to take risks. Consequently, the Polish got the break at 3-2 and closed it at 6-3. During this run, the 23-year-old American had two break point chances, but he missed them.

Importantly, the Wimbledon semifinalist adapted well to the playing conditions at Indian Wells. That is why he again got an early break in the second set, making his way to the next round. At 4-2, Hurkacz got a double break and then closed the match with his serve, comfortably at 6-3, 6-2.

In the next round, Hurkacz will have to battle past Aslan Karatsev to reach the Indian Wells quarterfinals. How far do you think the Pole will go in the desert tournament?

Watch this story: How Roger Federer Became Roger Federer–the Story of the Swiss Maestro