Tour guide Hubert Hurkacz takes special Rotterdam guest around to meet ATP besties

Hubert Hurkacz can officially add tour guide to his list of qualifications.

The world No. 8 offered his services in Rotterdam this week to Abderrahman, a worthy guest of honor. Abderrahman (last name not provided) has been a standout volunteer at the Krajicek Foundation for the past six years and is someone the charity’s founder believes “deserves a lot of attention and a lot of thanks.”

Launched in 1997 by Wimbledon champion and ABN AMRO Open tournament director Richard Krajicek, the charity fosters children adopting a healthy lifestyle by building playgrounds in underserved communities to provide a safe place to exercise and enjoy sports activities.

Abderrahman thought he was invited to speak about the foundation’s mission, but was interrupted with an unexpected visit from Krajicek. The Dutchman soon introduced him to Hurkacz, who shared that a backstage tour of the player areas was on the day’s agenda.

“I haven’t really been a tour guide, so I’ll try my best,” the Pole said.

Hurkacz worked his charm by taking Abderrahman around to meet some of his favorite colleagues on tour. The two ran into recent Montpellier champion Alexander Bublik before making their way to the player dining room.

There, Hurkacz briefly interrupted Jannik Sinner’s game of Buraco to give Abderrahman the chance to interact with the 2024 Australian Open title holder.

“You’re the main attraction, you know. The new Grand Slam champion,” Hurkacz said.

“Enjoy. He’s the best man on tour,” Sinner told Abderrahman before extending his hand.

Hurkacz also brought his new pal over to meet another comrade he’s shared the doubles court with in Felix Auger-Aliassime. Abderrahman also played table tennis with the two-time Masters 1000 champion and took in live tennis courtside to round out his afternoon to remember.

“It’s a special day that I’m never going to forget. I never expected it,” said Abderrahman.

“I thought I was only going to watch a match, but when Richard Krajicek came, I was a little bit overwhelmed. When you see the big players from close up, they really seem normal, grinding, working hard. It’s also inspiration for me.”

The Krajicek Foundation has awarded more than 2,700 youth scholarships since its inception.