2024-10-31 18:59:00
Sensational Ugo Humbert. For the very last edition of the Masters 1000 from Paris to Bercy, the French No.1 knocked out the world No.2 Carlos Alcaraz on Thursday, October 31 in the round of 16. Author of a dream first set, completed in 26 minutes, Humbert finally won 6-1, 3-6, 7-5 in a little over two and a quarter hours.
“It’s the best victory of my career and it’s the best moment I’ve had on a tennis court,” sums up the 26-year-old left-hander.
For a place in the last four – which would be a first for him in Masters 1000 –, Humbert (18e world player) will face Australian Jordan Thompson (28e) Friday evening.
With five representatives in the round of 16 for the farewell to Bercy before moving to La Défense Arena in Nanterre in 2025, French tennis equaled its 2009 record on Thursday at this stage of the tournament.
Also readRoland-Garros: Osaka awaits Swiatek, Alcaraz confident after his victory, Humbert eliminated
We wondered how many would manage to cross the next hurdle? Would there be three, to equal another record (2012)? Humbert is currently the only one there. Only one other Frenchman can still hope to join him: Arthur Rinderknech (80e), opposed to world No.9 Grigor Dimitrov.
Arthur Son (20e), despite a set snatched from world No.3 Alexander Zverev, victorious 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, Adrian Mannarino (58e), beaten 7-5, 7-6 (7/5) by Thompson, and Arthur Cazaux (85e), 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 by world No.13 Holger Rune, said goodbye to Bercy.
“When I play like this, anything is possible”
How far will Humbert go? “When I play like that, anything is possible, imagine the 18e world player. I don’t know how far I’m going to go. We’ll see. That’s the question I don’t want to answer.”
“I love playing the best players in the world, that’s why I train,” he continues.
The least we can say is that Humbert took full advantage of the opportunity given to him to challenge Alcaraz on Thursday evening.
During a first express set, the French No.1 proved irresistible, to the point of leaving only one game to the world No.2. “I put winning shot after winning shot, everything came in, I was aggressive from the return,” Humbert marvels.
But even when pushed, “Carlitos” held on, to the point of rebalancing the debates before equalizing at one set all.
The level rose a notch on both sides of the net in the second half of the third set, when both players multiplied their spectacular shots and went blow for blow.
It was ultimately Humbert who had the last word, in the electric atmosphere of Bercy, which is hosting the Parisian tournament created in 1986 for a few more days.
The Paris tournament definitely did not work for the young Spaniard: he has never made it past the quarter-finals in four appearances.
Arthur Fils impresses
Left the Center Court beaten just before Humbert entered it in his turn, Son, a newcomer in the top 20 at the end of his first full season in the big leagues, punctuated by two ATP 500 trophies, in Hamburg – won against Zverev – and Tokyo, nevertheless received compliments from its winner of the day.
“He undoubtedly has the game” to make a place in the top 10 within a year, believes Zverev.
“He has incredible power, like very few players have. Maybe (Jannik) Sinner, Alcaraz, me when I play well. Otherwise I don’t see who else has such power. He’s a question of development, of exploiting his potential I think he can even be better than top 10.
In the quarter-finals on Friday, Zverev will face world No.11 Stefanos Tsitsipas, who is still fighting for one of the last three tickets at stake for the end-of-year Masters, which brings together the eight best players of the season. Like world No.10 Alex De Minaur, opposed to Rune.
With AFP
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**Interview with Ugo Humbert After His Stunning Victory Over Carlos Alcaraz**
**Editor:** Ugo, congratulations on your sensational win over Carlos Alcaraz in the Masters 1000 round of 16! How does it feel to knock out the world No. 2?
**Ugo Humbert:** Thank you! It feels incredible. I can honestly say this is the best victory of my career. The moment I won, all I could think was how much I love playing at this level, especially against the best players in the world.
**Editor:** You mentioned that it was the best moment you’ve had on a tennis court. Can you tell us what went right for you during the match?
**Ugo Humbert:** The first set was just perfect. I came out aggressive and all my shots were landing. I managed to maintain that energy, even when Carlos came back in the second set. In the deciding set, the atmosphere in Bercy was electric, and I could feel the support of the crowd pushing me forward.
**Editor:** Speaking of atmosphere, this tournament is the last edition at Bercy before it moves to La Défense Arena. How does that add to the significance of your victory?
**Ugo Humbert:** It’s really special. Bercy has been home to this tournament for so long, and to win here makes it unforgettable. I wanted to make the most of this opportunity and leave a mark in this venue’s history.
**Editor:** Looking ahead, you’ll be facing Jordan Thompson in the quarter-finals. What are your thoughts on that match?
**Ugo Humbert:** I know Thompson is a tough competitor, and I’ll have to bring my A-game again. But after this victory, I feel a renewed confidence. When I play like I did against Alcaraz, anything is possible.
**Editor:** Lastly, are there any specific goals you have in mind for the rest of the tournament?
**Ugo Humbert:** Honestly, I’m just focused on each match and enjoying the process. I’m grateful for this opportunity and will take it one step at a time. The dream is to keep winning, but I don’t want to put any pressure on myself.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Ugo. Best of luck against Thompson!
**Ugo Humbert:** Thank you! I appreciate it.
