In an electrifying showdown at the Paris Masters, Ugo Humbert cemented his status as a rising star by defeating Australia’s Jordan Thompson 6-2, 7-6(4), clinching a spot in his first-ever Masters 1000 semi-final. This victory comes on the heels of Humbert’s stunning upset over world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz, showcasing his impressive form and determination.
From the outset, Humbert demonstrated why he’s the No. 15 seed. His serve was nearly impenetrable in the first set, winning an astonishing 92% of points on his first serve and denying Thompson any break point opportunities. Humbert’s aggressive returns consistently put Thompson on the back foot, resulting in a quick 6-2 win that lasted just 30 minutes.
However, the second set proved to be a different story. Thompson rallied, improving his service game and breaking Humbert for the first time. With Humbert struggling with foot discomfort, the match intensified. The Australian held off two match points at 5-4, eventually leading to a tense tiebreak. Fueled by the roaring Paris crowd, Humbert found his rhythm again, delivering critical winners to seal the set and the match.
Reflecting on his performance, Humbert expressed pride in his aggressive strategy, stating, “You have to accept it… I keep in mind matches where I was too passive. Here I am in mode: ‘go for it, and, if you miss, you miss, but no regret.’”
Now, Humbert sets his sights on a challenging semi-final against Russian Karen Khachanov, promising fans an exciting continuation of his incredible journey in Paris.
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