The Odds Are In: Could This Be the Summer for Polish Tennis?
It seems like an age has passed since we last saw the emergence of a truly once-in-a-generation tennis star. Sure, we have Serena, Federer, Murray, Graf, and all the rest, but these are stars that have been on the scene for well over a decade or even decades in some cases. When hunting for the next generation of tennis superstars, the best place to look might be a particular country – Poland.
Following a string of successes from up-and-coming Polish tennis talent, pundits are beginning to put their money on Poland as the incubator for a new tennis elite. As the summer approaches and some of Poland’s top players prepare to make a splash at the Grand Slams, let’s take a look at some of the top players you should be keeping an eye on.
1. Iga Swiatek
19-year-old Iga Swiatek might be young, but she can hold her own against the best in the business. After storming the 2020 French Open and emerging as one of the youngest champions ever, the odds seem to be forever in her favour. According to the latest 2021 tennis odds, Swiatek is one of the top favourites for the summer season. With more than $3 million in prize money already under her belt, she’s a force to be reckoned with.
2. Hubert Hurkacz
24-year-old Wroclaw native Hubert Hurkacz has only been on the international tennis circuit for a couple of years, but that hasn’t stopped him from making a splash. He is currently ranked no.16 in the global singles rankings – an astonishing feat for such an early-career player, owing largely to his attention-grabbing performances at the Miami Open and Wimbledon last year.
With Hurkacz, it seems the best is yet to come.
3. Lukasz Kubot
Kubot is definitely a more established player, having made it to the Wimbledon finals several times in his decade-long career and having pocketed more than $8 million in prize money. Nonetheless, Kubot is a force to be reckoned with and all eyes will likely be on him during this year’s summer season. After making it to the semifinal of the 2021 Madrid Open, Kubot has let the world know that he is back and determined to make his mark on the Grand Slams.
4. Urszula Radwanska
30-year-old Urszula Radwa?ska first made her mark during her junior years, with a high-profile championship win at the 2007 Wimbledon girls’ singles. Since then, her career has gone from strength to strength. Although a series of highly publicised injuries forced her to put her career on hold until as recently as 2018, it seems that Radwanska is now determined to make up for lost time. She came out on top at the 2021 ITF in Moscow this year and is clearly gearing up for a summer like no other. Keep your eyes on this one.
These are the Polish tennis stars that could truly put the country on the sporting map this summer. Stay tuned to find out.
