Hubert Hurkacz splits with coach Nicolas Massu after torrid start to the year

[p]Late on Tuesday evening, [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/hurkacz-hubert/zuHOBnY9/"]Hubert Hurkacz[/a] (75th ATP) announced that he is ending his collaboration with coach [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/massu-nicolas/tMT9Vltl/"]Nicolas Massu[/a]. The Chilean had been working with the Wrocław-born player since November 29, 2024.[/p][p]"[b]I am very grateful to Nico for his commitment, hard work, and the time he dedicated to me during the most challenging period of my career. Together, we have decided to go our separate ways and continue our journeys independently. Thank you again for everything![/b]" Hurkacz wrote on Instagram.[/p][p]The timing of the announcement is no coincidence. One of Poland’s top ATP tour players is currently enduring a particularly tough run, having lost seven matches in a row. Since the Australian Open in January, he has not managed to get past his first opponent in any tournament.[/p][p]In 2025, an injury sidelined him for over half a year, including undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery. As a result, he played just over half a season with the Chilean coach.[/p][embed guid="af50d644-78b7-4123-bf79-e9b387530628" url="https://x.com/MichalSamulski/status/2036567833736343569?s=20" social-type="twitter" /][p]There were some very promising moments during that period, such as reaching the semifinals in Rotterdam, the quarterfinals in Rome, and the big final in Geneva - each time losing to a top-ranked opponent ([a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/alcaraz-garfia-carlos/UkhgIFEq/"]Alcaraz[/a], [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/paul-tommy/pd3ye1BS/"]Paul[/a], and [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/djokovic-novak/AZg49Et9/"]Djokovic[/a], respectively) and falling short of another title in other tournaments.[/p][p]After returning to full fitness, Hurkacz started 2026 in impressive fashion, delivering standout performances at the United Cup - a photo from that success accompanies his post summarizing the partnership.[/p][p]However, things quickly took a downturn, and March turned out to be a real disappointment. Even an attempt to bounce back at a Challenger-level event ended with a first-round exit.[/p][p]Before teaming up with Massu, Hurkacz spent five years working with Craig Boynton, parting ways in the summer of 2024. During that time, he achieved the best results of his career, climbing to No. 6 in the ATP rankings.[/p][p]He reached the Wimbledon semifinals (2021) and the Australian Open quarterfinals (2024). In total, he has won eight ATP titles, from Winston-Salem in 2019 to Estoril in 2024.[/p]