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Match Details
Fixture: (POL) Hubert Hurkacz vs (CZE) Tomas Machac
Date: January 1, 2025
Tournament: United Cup 2025
Round: Group Stage
Venue: Ken Rosewall Arena, Sydney, Australia
Category: United Cup
Surface: Hard
Prize Money: $11,170,000
Live Telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | UK - Sky Sports | Canada - TSN, RDS
Hubert Hurkacz vs Tomas Machac preview
Poland's Hubert Hurkacz will face off against Czech Republic's Tomas Machac in a Group B tie at the 2025 United Cup on Wednesday, January 1.
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Hurkacz had a decent campaign in 2024 until facing fitness issues. The Pole won the Estoril Open and finished runner-up at the Terra Wortmann Open as he reached a career-high ranking of No. 6 in August.
However, after a picking up a knee injury at Wimbledon, Hurkacz suffered a slight collapse. The Pole lost five of his last nine matches of the season. His woes continued at the United Cup as he lost his opening fixture 5-7, 3-6 to Norway's Casper Ruud.
Meanwhile, Machac enjoyed a steady rise up the rankings throughout the season. From being ranked No. 78 in January, the Czech reached his career-best ranking of No. 25 by October.
Machac's most notable performance came at the Geneva Open, where he secured four consecutive wins including a semifinal victory over Novak Djokovic to reach the final. He lost to Casper Ruud in the summit clash. Machac faced the Norwegian in his opener at the United Cup and lost 6-7(6), 7-5, 4-6.
Hubert Hurkacz vs Tomas Machac head-to-head
This will be their second meeting on the tour. The head-to-head stands 1-0 in favor of Hurkacz who defeated Machac 6-3, 6-4 in the quarterfinals of the 2024 Open 13 in Marseille.
Hubert Hurkacz vs Tomas Machac odds
(Odds are sourced from BetMGM)
Hubert Hurkacz vs Tomas Machac prediction
Hurkacz will need to put aside his recent troubles to have any chances of winning against Machac. Although hardcourts are not his most preferred surface, the quick conditions in Sydney could aid the Pole's aggressive approach. If he remains match fit, his powerful serve and backhand could prove deadly.
Machac's backhand is also his strong point. The Czech is particularly good in outdoor hardcourts, where he enjoyed great success last year. He tested Ruud more than Hurkacz did, taking the match to three sets which included a tie-break.
Given his current form, Machac looks keen to take on any opponent with full confidence. Hurkacz is the more experienced but his fitness issues could let him down. Hence, the Czech is expected to come out on top in this fixture.
Pick: Machac to win in three-sets.
