Ugo Humbert swept away by Alexander Zverev for his first Masters 1000 final – Libération

Point of achievement for Ugo Humbert. Rather a long way of the cross. The Frenchman’s first Masters 1000 final turned into disillusionment, with Alexander Zverev in the role of dream breaker. The public at the Accor Hotel Arena, who were hoping for a grand finale for the last match organized in Bercy, before the tournament moves in 2025 to the brand new setting of La Défense Arena in Nanterre, had to be content with a demonstration from the future world number 2, finalist at Roland Garros in 2024: 6-2, 6-2 in just an hour and a half.

The 26-year-old Messin, 18th in the world, surely a bit timid by the challenge, was immediately overtaken by the German giant. Too approximate, he did not succeed in making his opponent of the day waver, impeccable on his throws. “Physically, I was flushed. I had difficulty recovering (from the half)”whispered the Frenchman at the edge of the court. We will have to wait at least one more year to see a tricolor succeed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, last winner of a Masters 1000. It was in 2014, in Toronto. Ten years ago already.

Ugo Humbert has everything to do it. For him, we must already remember the rest. First, these seven very good days at Bercy, where the left-hander displayed his best tennis. The one that allowed him to knock down world number 2 Carlos Alcaraz in the second round. So, to compete with just about anyone on the circuit.

Humbert has gained enormously in explosiveness

The good news is that he has been able to raise his standing regularly this season, unlike in past seasons, where the left-hander got used to a few rare exploits, before falling back just as dryly. He who climbed early to the gates of the top 30, in 2020 when he was 22 years old, gave the impression of stagnating for a long time, without ever managing to rise. His success in March in Dubai (ATP 500) against Alexander Bublik seems to have acted as a trigger.

With Jérémy Chardy and Thierry Ascione, his coaching duo, he developed his offensive palette, particularly his forehand, much more powerful and reliable than before. Humbert has also gained enormously in explosiveness. Just look at his footwork: he moves faster, and can therefore throw better without losing too much ground, and showcase his qualities as a blocker. A defensive base which allows him, unlike his debut among the pros, to better diversify his shots, without necessarily trying to finish the point too early. On Monday, he will be 14th in the world, one place from his best ranking in the spring. An appointment is made for 2025.