Frenchman Ugo Humbert has captivated the Paris Masters crowd with a sensational run to the final, where he’s set to face Germany’s Alexander Zverev in what promises to be an electrifying showdown. Riding the momentum of a determined win over Karen Khachanov in the semifinals, Humbert has stormed through the tournament, beating four-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz along the way. Now, as he gears up for the final, the 15,000-strong crowd at Bercy is fully behind him, feeding his confidence and passion on court. For Humbert, this tournament is more than just a career milestone—it’s a dream realized.
“It is amazing to do it in Paris at my favorite tournament. It is a dream,” Humbert said after his gritty 6-7, 6-4, 6-3 semifinal victory over Khachanov. Speaking to the crowd that’s fueled his run, he added, “I’ve been playing with my heart since the beginning of the week, and I want to share this moment with them.”
Humbert’s coach, former French tennis star Jeremy Chardy, marveled at the atmosphere, likening it to the intensity of Davis Cup matches. “This reminds me a bit of the Davis Cup… with sharing with the public. It feels good to experience this,” Chardy told Eurosport. With a newfound energy from the support, Humbert describes the fans as his “major asset,” saying he feels they give him “a second wind” each time he’s on the court.
From Career Setbacks to a Phenomenal Comeback
Humbert’s resurgence this season is nothing short of remarkable. After enduring a difficult period, marked by a battle with Covid-19 and a plummeting ATP ranking—from a high of No. 25 in 2021 to as low as No. 157 in 2022—Humbert has climbed back with a tenacity that speaks volumes. He began working with Chardy in 2022, and their partnership has paid off, helping him break back into the top 100 and now reach an impressive No. 14 in the ATP Live Rankings. A win today would take him to a career-high No. 11.
This season, Humbert has already secured two titles—the Open 13 and the Dubai Tennis Championships—and reached the final of the Japan Open. With today’s final on the horizon, he’s on the verge of securing his third trophy of the year, an achievement that would further underscore his reemergence as a major force in men’s tennis.
A Final Showdown with Zverev
Humbert’s opponent, World No. 3 Alexander Zverev, will not make this an easy task. The German has been in stellar form, defeating Holger Rune in the semifinals and showing why he’s one of the top-ranked players in the world. Both players are in peak condition, setting the stage for a thrilling contest. But with the French crowd in full support, Humbert may have the edge he needs to make history.
As fans eagerly await the final, the question lingers: Has Ugo Humbert finally established himself as the new face of French tennis? After overcoming career-threatening setbacks, Humbert has risen through the ranks, showing resilience and skill that have inspired not only his fans but his country. His impressive performance at the Paris Masters could well be the turning point that puts him among the sport’s elite.
