There are days like this when we wish we would never have been interested in sport. If the United States experienced “Black Thursday” in 1929, France was entitled to its own almost a century later. With Ugo Humbert as executioner.
This day of Thursday October 31, 2024 was supposed to be perfect. Adrian Mannarino, and the three Arthur Fils, Cazaux and Rinderknech had all done their part of the job. An elimination in the round of 16, to make this day an unforgettable moment. And pay homage one last time to Bercy. But for this Thursday to be truly beautiful, the French number 1 had to be present, or absent rather. Ugo Humbert faced Carlos Alcaraz, the highest ranked player in the tournament since Jannik Sinner's withdrawal. We expected formality, and we got it, but not in the way we hoped for.
Ugo Humbert's irresponsible start to the match
The first 20 minutes of this match are definitely the most difficult first twenty minutes we've ever had to watch in a Tennis match. We still cannot understand how Ugo Humbert managed to cook Carlos Alcaraz in such a short time. 5-0. A manita against a Spaniard is really not fair play. It would be like scoring a goal in the last minute in a Champions League match against Real Madrid. There are things that don't get done.
The first set was completed in 26 minutes, and as surprising as it may seem, the promising young Alcaraz did not do Fanny, and still managed to win a service game.
For the second set, the four-time Grand Slam winner enforced the logic of the ATP rankings. Finally, one would be tempted to say. A 6-3 success encouraging for the rest of the events. Even though we know her, please let us hope one last time.
Even Alcaraz can do nothing against Humbertmania
The third and final round is very competitive, each point is snatched by these two ragpickers. But in this little game, it is Messin who emerges victorious. We're going to have nightmares about these points.
“I must congratulate Ugo, he achieved a very high level performance. The way he hits the ball is incredible” Carlos Alcaraz
After 2h16, Ugo Humbert achieved the biggest betrayal of his career by beating Carlos Alcaraz, who was also in France. Carlos now becomes Charles in our eyes. Three years after putting down his racket against Hugo Gaston in this same tournament, the Spaniard lost again against Ugo. The Frenchman qualifies for the quarter-finals and faces Jordan Thompson, who defeated a certain Adrian Mannarino in the previous round.
“It’s the greatest victory of my career and the best moment I’ve experienced on a tennis court” Ugo Humbert
Us, our worst.
