Hubert Hurkacz defeated Rafael Nadal 6-1 6-3 at the Rome Masters, an ATP Masters 1000 event on clay, in the first round on 11 May 2024. The result represented a significant upset, with Nadal entering as the pre-match favourite at 1.65 odds against Hurkacz's 2.4. Nadal's struggles on his traditionally favourable surface were evident as he conceded the opening set in commanding fashion before offering minimal resistance in the second, surrendering the match in straight sets. The Pole's dominant performance on clay—a surface where Nadal has historically thrived—raised questions about the Spaniard's physical condition and form heading into the French Open, now just weeks away.