N. DJOKOVIC/J. Hurkacz
7-6, 4-6, 6-1
THE MODERATOR: Hubie, if you can tell us how was the match today. What do you think was missing?
HUBERT HURKACZ: Obviously playing Novak, it's difficult. He's, yeah, the best player that been out there. It's not easy (smiling).
THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.
Q. We know you're a good friend with Jannik. You basically qualified him. Did you get a text from him yesterday, the days before, right now, some congratulations, some thank you?
HUBERT HURKACZ: I think he qualified himself by winning two first matches. He's obviously great guy. Yeah, he's been playing really amazing tennis.
Yeah, I wish him he's going to play two great matches here. Well, three...
Q. You will have a chance against Rune if you have an opportunity to play. What do you think now about the decision of Stefanos come to court, play three games, not to give you opportunity?
HUBERT HURKACZ: Well, I think he was, from what I heard, from the doctors, they said he would be okay to play. Yeah, I mean, obviously the eight guys deserve to be there. He thought he will be able to play the match and try to win the match, but something happened in the beginning and then he couldn't continue.
That's unfortunate for both of us because he wouldn't want to play three games if he knew that. Then obviously I would like to play match, so yeah...
Q. Don't you want maybe a dinner out from Jannik or something similar here maybe in Italy?
HUBERT HURKACZ: Well, I don't know. Maybe (smiling). We'll see. Maybe he texted me.
No, I mean, he's playing amazing. Anyway, he has really great chance today in the match.
Q. Have you ever been in a position like Jannik is in tonight, where he could play really hard, and since he's already qualified, save himself for Saturday? What would you do as a professional? How would you approach that situation?
HUBERT HURKACZ: No, I think you're here to win matches, so that's what he's going to try to do.
Q. Two years after you played Nitto ATP Finals, how would you compare the Hubie today to two years ago? You have improved something...
HUBERT HURKACZ: Yeah, I think overall I'm way better player than two years ago. Yeah, just didn't have good enough season to qualify this year.
I mean, it's pleasure to play in front of Italian fans here in Turin. Yeah, I will definitely now try my best for next year to make sure I'm here and I'm playing since the first ball of the tournament.
Q. How happy are you with your season? Do you know which type of goal you want to achieve next year?
HUBERT HURKACZ: Well, obviously I'm more ambitious than what I achieved this year. Definitely know the end of the year was better and I'm happy with the progress. I'll just try to build upon it.
Yeah, I mean, didn't think yet about the next season (smiling).
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports