“Novak Djokovic’s luck is something else” - Fans react as Hubert Hurkacz's exit blows Serb's side of draw wide open at Wimbledon

Hubert Hurkacz's retirement from his second-round match at Wimbledon 2024 has sparked discussions among fans who feel Novak Djokovic's side of the draw has become relatively easier for him with the Pole's absence. Seventh seed Hurkacz was the predicted quarterfinal opponent for the Serb.

The 27-year-old, a former semifinalist at Wimbledon, is a huge threat on grass. He kicked off his tournament with a win against Radu Albot where he came from a set down. He then faced Arthur Fils, who got off to a flier taking the opening two sets. Hurkacz dug deep to claim the third but suffered an injury to his right leg during the tiebreak in the fourth which led him to retire at (2)6-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-6.

This sparked reactions from fans who felt that the Serb's draw had blown wide open and a threat like Hurkacz retiring made it easier for him. One fan said:

"Novak's cakewalk draws continue."

Another fan felt that Hurkacz should have completed the match as Fils had a match point.

"I hate retirements like this. BRO! Just hit a soft serve and give Fils his match win. Why retire on Match Point!"

Here are some other reactions from the fans:

"ofc, Fakos kindergarten draw gets even easier," a fan said.

"Djokovic’s luck is something else…..," a fan mentioned.

"Another 250 draw for Djokovic," a fan joked.

Some other fans felt the Pole was wrong in retiring when Fils was so close to a win.

"can his buddy Djoko not give him his wonder doctor, back next week then," a fan remarked.

"What a loser he could have conceded the final point," a fan was commented.

"How can this not be penalised? I am sorry for Hubi and his injury, but down a MP you HAVE to play it out...," another fan chimed in.

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Novak Djokovic will face Alexei Popyrin in Wimbledon R3

Novak Djokovic, seeded second, has put up an impressive performance at Wimbledon this year despite coming from a recent surgery on his medial meniscus. He suffered a tear in his meniscus at the French Open which raised doubts about his participation at Wimbledon and the Paris Olympics.

The seven-time champion kicked off his run against Vit Kopriva, comfortably ousting him 6-1, 6-2, 6-2. He played home favorite Jacob Fearnley in the second round. Though there was a hiccup in the third set, he bounced back to win 6-3, 6-4, 5-7, 7-5.

Djokovic will face Australia's Alexei Popyrin in the third round. The Aussie defeated Thiago Monteiro in his opening round and staged a remarkable win against 30th-seed Tomas Martin Etcheverry in a rollercoaster five-setter.

The two men have faced each other two times in their careers with the Serb leading 2-0. Their most recent meeting came in the second round of the Australian Open this year where Djokovic won in four sets.