"One of the worst ideas": Former top-15 player critiques Hubert Hurkacz’s coaching hires

Former top-15 player Jerzy Janowicz criticised Hubert Hurkacz’s decision to hire one of his new coaches. The 34-year-old Polish ex-player – retired since 2022 – spoke about the additions of Ivan Lendl and Nicolas Massu to ‘Hubi’s’ team.

Hurkacz had a long partnership with Craig Boynton, working with him for over five years. Boynton played a key role in Hurkacz’s rise to the top 30 and his sustained presence in the top 10 for years. Under his guidance, Hurkacz won eight titles – including two Masters 1000 – and reached the Wimbledon semi-finals.

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However, in 2024, his level seemed to stagnate. In the second half of the year, he dropped from world No. 6 to No. 16, moving further away from his major goals. As a result, he split with Boynton and spent some time without a permanent coach.

During the off-season, he announced the hiring of former world No. 1 Ivan Lendl – who previously coached Andy Murray – and Nicolas Massu, former coach of Dominic Thiem.

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“Ivan Lendl, absolutely – I think it’s a good move,” Janowicz told Sport.pl. “As for Nicolas Massu, I think it’s one of the worst ideas.”

“Looking at how he played, his technique and tactics, it doesn’t suit Hubert at all. He needs someone who will teach him to consistently embrace offensive tennis.

“And finally make this style comfortable for him so he won’t be afraid of it. Because what Hubert doesn’t do very well – and doesn’t want to do – is play offensively. And he really needs it. He can do it, but I don’t understand why it’s so hard for him to switch from deep defense and counterattacking to a more aggressive game.”

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Massu’s main coaching experience came with Dominic Thiem, whom he helped secure some of the biggest titles of his career, including Indian Wells and the 2020 US Open. With the Chilean, Thiem also reached two ATP Finals championship matches and two additional Grand Slam finals.

The double Olympic gold medallist from Athens 2004 has also served as Chile’s Davis Cup captain since 2014. Last year, he briefly worked with sisters Linda and Brenda Fruhvirtova.

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