Struff makes history as oldest first-time quarterfinalist

The Wimbledon round of 16 produced a story destined for the tennis history books. Germany's Jan-Lennard Struff, 36, won a dramatic five-set battle with Hubert Hurkacz on Court 2 by a 3-6, 6-7(5), 7-6(2), 7-5, 4-2 scoreline when his Polish opponent retired in the fifth set. In reaching the first Grand Slam quarterfinal of his career, Struff entered the records as the oldest player ever to do so.

The script was pure drama. Hurkacz, down at 96 in the rankings after injury struggles and a semifinalist on these courts in 2021, began superbly and moved two sets clear. But Struff refused to fold, storming back into the match by taking the third-set tie-break 7-2 and levelling with a 7-5 fourth. Then, just as the German edged 4-2 ahead in the decider, came the sorrowful ending: his physical problems mounting, Hurkacz announced he could not continue after three hours and 40 minutes of battle.

Struff's numbers reflected the character of the comeback: the German struck 68 winners and looked the sharper man on second-serve points and in the decisive moments. Hurkacz's own tally of 64 winners stood as the summary of a comeback story left unfinished.

For Struff, a long-serving tour stalwart built around a huge serve who once climbed inside the top 25, this ranks as the pinnacle of his career. Having never previously passed the fourth round at a Grand Slam, the German will face an opponent from his section of the draw in the quarterfinals at 36. The Wimbledon crowd, meanwhile, closed the night having witnessed one of tennis's finest tales of patience and perseverance.

Match Stats
Score: 3-6, 6-7(5), 7-6(2), 7-5, 4-2 (Hurkacz retired) · Duration: 3 hours 40 minutes
Winners: Struff 68 – Hurkacz 64 · Unforced errors: Struff 31 – Hurkacz 41
Breaks: Struff 4/11 – Hurkacz 3/4

Image: Spiegel Sport