Roger Federer: Why star is already one set up vs Hubert Hurkacz BEFORE Indian Wells match
ROGER FEDERER is already one set up against Indian Wells Masters quarter-final opponent Hubert Hurkacz.
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That’s the suggestion of former WTA plater Sam Smith, because of the way Hurkacz looks up to the Swiss star.
A five-time champion in California, Federer will take on the young Pole in the last eight in the desert on Friday.
Hurkacz has seen off Kei Nishikori - just as he did in Dubai last month - and Denis Shapovalov in his last two games at the Masters 1000 event.
But the quarter-final will be the first time that 22-year-old rising star Hurkacz faces his idol Federer.
The 20-time Grand Slam champion offers an entirely different threat altogether and Smith believes that because Hurkacz views Federer so highly - he will take time to get used to playing him on court.
Amazon Prime analyst and ex-British No 1 Smith revealed of her private chat with Hurkacz: “He said to me he likes the big stage. I think that the Stadium 1 court is a difficult court.
“Even when it’s full, the gradient is not particularly steep and you feel a long way [back].
“It’s great width and great depth and the fans are quite a long way away. It has a different kind of atmosphere.
Federer has such a major advantage because he’s so much more comfortable on the court
“Federer has such a major advantage because he’s so much more comfortable on the court. He plays there more often.
“Hubert is a very quietly spoken young man. His idol is Roger Federer.
“I would say that is really first set to Federer unless Hubert does something really exceptional and holds himself together.
“It’s going to take him a set to settle down - all the players talk about how the ball they receive off Federer is so different to any other.”
But Federer says he is wary of taking on Hurkacz.
“Yeah it’s one of those great stories and really interesting to follow,” the 37-year-old - who could face Rafael Nadal in the semi finals if he wins - said.
“He also played in the Next Gen Finals with all the guys. He’s part of that group who’s really doing very well.
“I practiced with him, he warmed me up for one of the matches in Shanghai after he lost I think in a Challenger event over there and I was still in the tournament.
“I remember in the warm-up he barely made any mistakes but every time he made a mistake he apologised.
“He’s a really nice guy, seems very sweet. I’m happy for him that he’s playing so well.
“Beating Nishikori [in] Dubai and here back-to-back, now Shapovalov. that’s some effort.
“That shows what he’s got and what we’ll see of him in the future. I’m looking forward to the match of course.”