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Following in the footsteps of his compatriot Iga Swiatek, Hubert Hurkacz has pledged to contribute to relief efforts for those affected by the devastating floods in Poland. The ATP World No. 8 will donate over $100 for each ace he serves on the ATP Tour until the end of the season. Swiatek, the WTA World No. 1, has also done her bit to draw more mainstream attention to the crisis unfolding in the country.
Heavy rainfall from Storm Boris has caused widespread flooding in Poland, one of several Central European countries impacted by the relentless downpour. The region has reportedly received over five times the average September rainfall in only five days. There is particular concern surrounding the relentless rain's effects on Poland, which is the region's economic hub. So far, 26 deaths have been reported across Central Europe.
On Tuesday, September 24, Hubert Hurkacz, a native of Wroclaw, a city in southwestern Poland, announced a social media initiative to aid flood-affected individuals in his country. While Wroclaw itself has not been directly impacted by the flooding, the city is preparing for the potential rise of the Odra River, expected to peak on Thursday, September 26.
The 27-year-old's initiative will see him donate €100 ($111.49 at the time of writing) for every ace he hits until the conclusion of the ongoing season.
"Starting today and until the end of the season, I will be donating 100 euros for every ace I hit to support those affected by the devastating floods in Poland. For me, sport is not just a competition, but also a platform to drive impact. #acesforaid," Hurkacz wrote in his Instagram Story.
Earlier this month, five-time women's singles Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek urged her followers to donate generously to support Polish people affected by the floods.
"Massive funds needed to help" - Iga Swiatek's message to fans amid Poland floods
Following calls for residents of Nysa to evacuate, Iga Swiatek took to Instagram to appeal for financial donations to assist Polish people affected by the floods. The Polish tennis star expressed her concern for those who had lost everything due to the flooding and thanked her followers in advance for their support.
"Damage is unbelievable. A lot of people lost everything and there are massive funds needed to help them. Thank you for every gesture of support," Swiatek had written in her Instagram Story.
On the tennis front, Swiatek recently withdrew from the 2024 China Open citing 'personal matters'. Meanwhile, Hubert Hurkacz is all set to start his campaign at the ongoing Japan Open, where he is the No. 2 seed. His first match at the ATP 500 event will see him square off against Marcos Giron on Wednesday, September 25.
