Polish tennis powerhouse Hubert Hurkacz has made a dramatic shift in his career trajectory, parting ways with his long-time coach Craig Boynton after five and a half successful years. The split, which came after the 2024 US Open, marks the end of an era that saw Boynton (affectionately known for his Santa-rivaling beard) guide Hurkacz from World No. 67 to tennis stardom.

The Boynton Era

Under Boynton’s guidance (whose legendary beard might have housed more tennis wisdom than the North Pole has elves), Hurkacz transformed into a formidable force on the ATP Tour. Their partnership yielded eight ATP titles, including two prestigious Masters 1000 victories at Miami (2021) and Shanghai (2023). The Polish star reached a career-high ranking of World No. 6 in August 2024, cementing Boynton’s impact on his career.

The New Chapter

Ivan Lendl’s Arrival

The addition of Lendl brings championship pedigree to Hurkacz’s camp. The eight-time Grand Slam champion turned super-coach has a proven track record of elevating players to new heights, most notably transforming Andy Murray into a multiple Grand Slam winner and World No. 1. His methodical approach and emphasis on mental toughness could be the catalyst Hurkacz needs for Grand Slam success.

Massú’s Magic

Nicolás Massú joins the team bringing his unique Olympic legacy as the only man to win both singles and doubles gold medals at the same Olympics. Fresh from his successful stint with Dominic Thiem, which included a US Open triumph, Massú’s passionate approach and tactical brilliance could help unlock new dimensions in Hurkacz’s game.

What’s Next

While Boynton’s beard may no longer be courtside (presumably returning to its winter duties at the North Pole), Hurkacz has assembled a formidable coaching duo that could take his game to unprecedented heights. His already impressive arsenal, featuring one of the tour’s most lethal serves and powerful groundstrokes, stands to benefit from this injection of championship expertise.

The timing of this coaching change appears strategic, as Hurkacz has shown consistent improvement over recent seasons. His notable achievements, including his victory over Roger Federer in what became the Swiss maestro’s final Wimbledon appearance, have demonstrated his potential to compete at the highest level.

While tennis fans might miss Boynton’s magnificent beard (which reportedly had its own fan club), this new coaching arrangement signals Hubert Hurkacz‘s serious intent to challenge for the sport’s biggest prizes. With Lendl’s strategic mastery and Massú’s passionate approach, 2025 could be the year Hurkacz transforms from a dangerous opponent into a genuine Grand Slam contender.

Have you noticed that female tennis players bend their knees to get more power on their shots? But male tennis players don’t do that. Why is that? The distinctive crouching technique commonly seen in women’s tennis is influenced by several key biomechanical and tactical factors:

Physical Differences

Women generally have a lower center of mass and wider hips, providing them greater pelvic mobility and flexibility compared to men. This anatomical difference allows female players to more naturally adopt lower positions while maintaining balance.

Playing Style Differences

Ball Characteristics

Women tend to hit flatter shots with less topspin compared to men. This results in:

• Lower bouncing balls that require players to get down lower to make contact
• More linear ball trajectories that are easier to redirect when taken early

Tactical Approach

The crouching position serves multiple purposes:

• Helps neutralize powerful shots by absorbing pace
• Allows players to stay close to the baseline and redirect pace
• Conserves energy compared to backing up and hitting full swings
• Takes time away from opponents by intercepting balls early

Notable Examples

Players like Angelique Kerber and Agnieszka Radwanska have effectively used this technique as part of their defensive style. While it may appear unconventional, it enables them to:

• Handle low-bouncing balls effectively
• Maintain aggressive court positioning
• Create counter-attacking opportunities

Technical Considerations

This technique is particularly prevalent on the backhand side where:

• Players can use their leg strength to generate power
• The lower position helps get under flat-hit balls
• It allows maintenance of preferred grip positions for different ball heights

While some consider this style suboptimal compared to backing up and hitting conventional shots, it has proven effective for many top female players, particularly those with defensive playing styles who excel at redirecting pace.