'I respect it, but I don't understand' - Polish Olympics committee president expresses disappointment over Hubert Hurkacz's withdrawal from Paris event

World No. 7 Hubert Hurkacz pulled out of the Paris Olympics 2024 due to a knee injury. The Polish professional suffered the injury during the second round of Wimbledon, forcing him to withdraw from his match against Arthur Fils. Harkacz's absence will be a big blow to the Polish tennis squad in the marquee event.

Fans who have been waiting for the mixed doubles between Hurkacz and Iga Swiatek will be sorely disappointed by the recent development. The world number one will now compete only in the women’s singles and doubles. Meanwhile, Jan Zielinksi, who was supposed to partner Hurkacz in the men's doubles, will now miss the Olympics entirely.

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This is a huge loss: Polish Olympics committee president on Hurkacz's absence

The president of the Polish Olympic Committee, Radoslaw Piesiewicz, recently expressed his disappointment at the withdrawal of Hubert Hurkacz. While Piesiewicz respects the player’s decision, he said he doesn’t understand and it's a big loss for the Polish tennis squad.

"We were counting on Hubert flying to the Olympics, getting his act together. We were in constant contact with the Polish Tennis Association. The message was that everything was going well and Hubert would be healthy. Yesterday, what happened? I called the manager right away. We talked, and I made her realize how important it was for Hubert to be there. I was waiting for a return call with a decision. I never got it,” Piesiewicz said (via TVP Sport). 

"It's (Hubert Hurkacz) and his team's decision. I respect it, but I don't understand it. Polish sports and Polish fans lose out on this. This is a huge loss. We keep our fingers crossed for Hubert to recover as soon as possible and fight for Slams, not medals anymore,” he added.

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Piesiewicz also felt sad about Zielinski, who was supposed to form a strong pair in men’s doubles with Hurkacz. Considered one of the best doubles players in the world, Zielinski recently won the Wimbledon mixed doubles title with Hsieh Su-Wei.