Hubert Hurkacz joins exclusive club with defeat of Novak Djokovic at Shanghai Masters 2026

Hurkacz defeated Djokovic for the first time in his career

Hubert Hurkacz produced an impressive performance to defeat Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3 at the Shanghai Masters 2026, ending an eight-match losing streak against the Serbian and joining the likes of Andy Murray, Alexander Zverev and Dominic Thiem in an exclusive tennis club.

These four players have defeated Tennis’ famed ‘Big 3’ on their favourite surfaces.

Hurkacz entered the contest having lost all eight of his previous meetings against Djokovic. However, the 29-year-old turned the tables with an outstanding serving performance, hitting 13 aces and 28 winners.

The Polish star claimed the opening set 6-4 before maintaining his momentum in the second to seal a 6-3 victory in one hour and 27 minutes. His aggressive play and effectiveness on serve prevented Djokovic from establishing control.

The defeat ended Djokovic’s Shanghai campaign shortly after he had won his seventh China Open title in Beijing. A four-time Shanghai Masters champion, Djokovic had hoped to carry that momentum into another successful campaign in China.

Hurkacz, meanwhile, returned to a tournament where he lifted the title in 2023, securing one of the most significant wins of his season.

Murray, Zverev, Thiem and Hurkacz share rare distinction

Andy Murray established himself as one of the leading rivals to Nadal, Federer and Djokovic during the Big Four era. His victories against the trio across their favoured surfaces helped define one of tennis’ most competitive periods.

Alexander Zverev also achieved the distinction, defeating Nadal on clay, Federer on grass at Halle in 2016 and Djokovic on hard courts on multiple occasions.

Dominic Thiem completed the set with victories over Nadal on clay, Federer on grass in Stuttgart in 2016 and Djokovic on hard courts at the ATP Finals in 2019 and 2020.

Hurkacz’s victories came against Nadal in Rome in 2024, Federer at Wimbledon in 2021 and Djokovic in Shanghai in 2026.

The achievement highlights the Pole’s ability to challenge three of the most successful players in tennis history on surfaces closely associated with their dominance.

Djokovic exits after Beijing triumph

Djokovic’s loss came days after his record extending seventh China Open title in Beijing. Despite his impressive record in Shanghai, the 39 year old struggled to contain Hurkacz’s powerful serve and attacking game.

For Hurkacz, the victory represents a major boost and his first win over Djokovic in nine meetings. It also strengthens his reputation as a formidable opponent on hard courts.

By overcoming Djokovic in Shanghai, Hurkacz has joined Murray, Zverev and Thiem in a rare group defined by victories against Nadal on clay, Federer on grass and Djokovic on hard courts.

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