Arthur Fils' spectacular display of sportsmanship at Wimbledon amidst Hubert Hurkacz tragedy

Thursday, 04 July 2024 at 16:14

Novak Djokovic's Wimbledon route has got slightly simpler albeit in unfortunate circumstances as Hubert Hurkacz was forced to retire with a knee injury during his second round clash with Arthur Fils.

Fils who reaches the milestone of becoming the youngest player to defeat a top 10 player at Wimbledon in the men's since Nick Kyrgios in 2014 won't be gloating as he led the No.7 seed 7-6(2), 6-4, 2-6, 6-6 when they headed into a fourth set tie-break.

Hurkacz played a dropshot after rushing to the net and Fils reacted quickly in getting the ball back. He then dived to his right at full stretch and reached the ball. But he remained on the floor with a knee injury meaning that dive wasn't really worth it.

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He required lengthy treatment before he was taken to a chair. He then continued to play but gave up in the end. He had set point in the tie-break but dived on his knee again. He was unable to continue and the match was abandoned. For Fils, it is a landmark run. But in reality, it is an unfortunate one.

FIls though rushed to the otherside of the net to help Hurkacz up after his injury in a true showcase of sportsmanship and friendship amid the heat of battle.

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A sad ending to a thrilling encounter 💔 Arthur Fils advances to his first Grand Slam third round after Hubert Hurkacz is forced to retire with injury in the fourth set tie-break #Wimbledon

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1:45 PM · Jul 4, 2024

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What it's all about 🥹 Superb sportsmanship from Arthur Fils as he takes the time to console his friend, Hubert Hurkacz 🫂 #Wimbledon

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2:07 PM · Jul 4, 2024

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