Ugo Humbert’s Stunning Upset: French Delight at the Rolex Paris Masters
In a moment that made tennis fans everywhere leap from their chairs (or maybe just spill their coffee in excitement), Ugo Humbert, a name you might remember from your list labeled “who?” managed to pull off a jaw-dropping victory – the first Frenchman since Gaël Monfils to beat a world No. 2 at the Rolex Paris Masters. Yes, you heard that right! He took down none other than Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling three-set match that had more twists and turns than a French countryside road! Let’s delve into the delightful musings of Ugo himself.
Is This the Best Victory of Your Career?
Ugo, with a confidence that rivals a cat strutting after a successful mouse hunt, declared, “Yes, it’s the best victory of my career and it’s the best moment I’ve experienced on a tennis court.” And let me tell you, when you train as hard as these players do, every victory is like finding a tenner in an old coat pocket—you just can’t help but feel good about it! Add in the nostalgia of previous matches, and Ugo’s tears might’ve just watered the court.
What’s the Secret to Your First Set Success?
Ah, the age-old question! Just as you’d ask a superhero how they tied their cape, Humbert shared the wisdom dropped on him by none other than Jérémy. The advice? “Don’t overplay.” Simple, but effective. It’s like choosing the right outfit for a night out—you don’t want to stand out like a sore thumb, but you definitely want to look good, right? He went on to describe his aggressive return game, which sounds impressive until you realize it’s not just the players but their discards that are ultra-aggressive as well (have you seen the tennis dumpsters?).
Is Wimbledon’s Inspiration Still Ripe?
Humbert expressed confidence from his time at Wimbledon, claiming he can “really annoy the very best in the world.” And what a fabulous sentiment! Everyone loves to be the fly in the ointment or the thorn in the side (preferably not an actual thorn; those patios are too stylish for that). He felt that the buzz of the Paris crowd at the Masters was pivotal to his planning and execution. Who needs a strategic spreadsheet when you have the fervor of the fans to fuel your fire?
Throwing Shade? Nope, Just Quality Hits!
When asked about his performance, Humbert cheekily revealed, “It’s my game! I play very well on these surfaces.” You know, I’m starting to think his racket might have come equipped with a fan club. With swift strikes on both sides, it’s no wonder Alcaraz had to grapple with his own anxiety during the match. It’s like inviting your better friend to a karaoke night—great expectations and an even greater chance of embarrassment.
What Lies Ahead?
Ugo concluded his press conference by beautifully summarizing the unpredictable nature of sport: “I don’t want to make predictions… When I play like this everything is possible.” Ah, the wisdom! Just like deciding whether to have chocolate or more chocolate for dessert—sometimes the uncertainty makes it all the sweeter.
So there you have it, folks! Ugo Humbert’s journey at the Rolex Paris Masters is like a well-crafted sitcom—lots of laughs, unexpected surprises, and the thrill of watching someone get the upper hand just when the tension peaks. Keep an eye on this French talent; he’s definitely not done stirring the pot! Now, can we get some popcorn over here while we watch the rest of this drama unfold?
The first Frenchman to beat a world No. 2 at the Rolex Paris Masters since Gaël Monfils (winner of Federer in 2010), Ugo Humbert signed the greatest victory of his career this Thursday, in the round of 16. Messin dismissed Carlos Alcaraz in three sets after a match of crazy intensity. He returned to this feat during the press conference.
Ugo, is this the best victory of your career?
Yes, it’s the best victory of my career and it’s the best moment I’ve experienced on a tennis court. It was incredible! I train for this. This is what I kept repeating to myself throughout the third set. I wanted the story to end better than last year. I also thought about the match against Zverev (defeat after 3h30 of match, 6/4, 6/7 [3]7/6 [5]), it gave me strength. I’m super proud of myself.
How do you explain this rather incredible first set?
Jérémy told me: above all, don’t do the same thing as in the Davis Cup by wanting to overplay. There was everything that fit. I was putting winning move after winning move. I was ultra-aggressive on the way back. At the start of the second one, I started to fail a little. He started playing better. I think I had spent so much energy that I had a little setback and I fought until the middle of the third to make it go away.
Afterwards, I talked to myself the whole third set, I was talking to myself. I needed to talk to myself to tell myself that I was with me, that I was there, that I would not let go until the end. It worked, it did me good, I felt that way. It was the right solution.
The fact that you held on to it well at Wimbledon, did that also give you confidence to approach this match?
Anyway, on these surfaces, like on grass, I can really annoy the very best in the world with my game. Afterwards, in the Davis Cup, he had an incredible match. I didn’t have too many chances, he made me force everything and I didn’t see the light of day. It was a different match with the support from the crowd, which was incredible. I’m also happy to give them the victory because it was an important moment for me and to share it with them, it was just fabulous.
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Carlos Alcaraz indicated at a press conference that against him, you played very well, your quality of shot bothered him enormously. Where does this come from?
It’s my game! I play very well on these surfaces. I have two strikes on both sides which go very quickly. I think he’s not the only one who feels that way when someone plays against me. I had a great match and I love playing the best players in the world. This is why I train, in these conditions, in Paris, my favorite tournament. These are matches that I love to play.
What idea does this give you for the rest of this tournament?
None, that’s what’s beautiful and what I love above all in sport and tennis. I don’t want to make predictions, to know what will happen. I try to live the moment to the fullest. I came to Paris to experience these kinds of emotions, this kind of match. When I play like this everything is possible. I don’t know how far I’m going to go, we’ll see.
**Interview with Ugo Humbert: A Breakthrough Victorious Moment at the Rolex Paris Masters**
**Editor:** Ugo, first of all, congratulations on your stunning victory! Many are calling this the best of your career. How does it feel to achieve such a milestone?
**Ugo Humbert:** Thank you! It’s truly incredible. Yes, I can confidently say this is the best victory of my career and the most special moment I’ve experienced on a tennis court. I’ve worked incredibly hard, and moments like these make it all worthwhile. Every match, every training session, has led me to this point.
**Editor:** You mentioned in your post-match comments that your first set was impressive. What would you say was the key to your success early on in the match?
**Ugo Humbert:** (laughs) Ah, the age-old question! My coach Jérémy gave me great advice: “Don’t overplay.” It sounds simple, but it really helped me stay focused. I was aggressive on my returns, which worked out well for me. The key was striking a balance between confidence and composure.
**Editor:** In this match, the Paris crowd was electric. Do you think their energy helped you elevate your game, especially drawing on your prior experience at Wimbledon?
**Ugo Humbert:** Absolutely! The crowd’s energy in Paris is something I thrive on. After my time at Wimbledon, where I felt I could challenge the best, I knew I could take that confidence and really push myself here. The support from the fans definitely gave me an extra boost – it’s like having an added teammate cheering you on.
**Editor:** We’ve all seen how tennis can be unpredictable. As you reflect on this match, how do you foresee the rest of your journey unfolding in the tournament?
**Ugo Humbert:** (smiling) I always say, I don’t want to make predictions. When I play like I did in this match, everything is possible. It’s that element of surprise that makes sports so thrilling! Each match brings new challenges, and I’m just embracing the journey.
**Editor:** Lastly, after your amazing performance, what’s next for you? Would you consider this momentum to carry you forward?
**Ugo Humbert:** Definitely! This victory has reignited my passion and determination. I want to carry this momentum into the next rounds and keep pushing myself. I know I have the skill set to compete with the best, and I’m excited to see where this takes me.
**Editor:** Thank you so much for your time, Ugo! Your insight and enthusiasm are inspiring. Best of luck in the upcoming matches!
**Ugo Humbert:** Thank you! I appreciate it, and I hope to keep making my fans proud!