Quentin Lecointe, Media365, published on Saturday November 2, 2024 at 8:30 p.m.
Victorious over Karen Khachanov (6-7, 6-4, 6-3) in the semi-final of the Rolex Paris Masters, Ugo Humbert confided his happiness at reaching the final after a meeting that was not always controlled.
After having sometimes displayed a very high level of play since the start of the week, Ugo Humbert this time had to draw on his resources to overcome Karen Khachanov in the semi-final (6-7, 6-4, 6-3 ). Questioned after the meeting, the Frenchman admitted having made do with the means available this Saturday: “It was a little harder, I felt a little less well. Everything was a little more forced, probably because there was more pressure, but I managed to accept it. These are the best victories when you are not playing your best tennis, but that you find solutions deep within yourself to seek victory. »
“I use this audience”
Carried by the public throughout the match, Humbert obviously took advantage of this advantage, especially in the third set when the physical dimension became important: “It's pure joy to have 15,000 people behind me. I use this audience, it’s a major asset. Since the beginning of the week, I have been playing with my heart. I want to share this moment with them. There were times when I was really in the red physically. Seeing my opponent cramping and the audience pushing me gave me a second wind. This is what allowed me to snatch victory. »
“A great fight” against Zverev
Qualified for his first Masters 1000 final, Humbert now has a meeting on Sunday with Alexander Zverev. The two men had already faced each other in the second round last year, with a match won in the tie-break of the third set by the German (6-4, 6-7, 7-6). A meeting which did Humbert good despite the defeat: “The match was completely crazy with a great level of play and an incredible storyline. It gave me confidence. I stack the bricks as I go. There were tough matches against great players that I didn't win. But each time, I tell myself that I am not far away. It's going to be a great fight. »
