He arrived at the press conference still smiling from ear to ear. Twenty minutes after accomplishing the greatest feat of his career: defeating Carlos Alcaraz, world number 2, in the Bercy den, in the round of 16 of the Rolex Paris Masters. And it is with the same smile that Ugo Humbert returned to tell the little secrets of his evening victory.
Is this simply the biggest win of your career?
UGO UMBERTO. It’s the best victory of my career. As I said on the pitch, it’s the best moment I’ve had on the pitch. I train for this all year. This is what I told myself during the third set. All these moments of work in formation. I remembered last year’s defeat against Zverev. I didn’t want to relive it. I’m super proud of myself.
You had already faced him several times and he had already won you over, especially at Wimbledon. Was it useful to you?
Jérémy Chardy told me: above all, don’t do like in the Davis Cup and want to exaggerate. But everything fit (laughs). I was walking on water. I was super aggressive. In the 2nd set I had a small problem. I fought throughout the third set to make it happen. I was talking to myself. I didn’t stop. I told myself that I was there, that I was down, that it wasn’t over. It worked. It was the right solution.
Has playing on a fast indoor surface helped you?
I knew that my game works very well on this surface as well as on grass. I know I can annoy the best in the world. I hadn’t seen the light in the Davis Cup. He had created the perfect match. I couldn’t do anything. It was different there because I had the support of the public. I want to thank them for everything. It was a fabulous time.
Carlos Alcaraz said you always play better against him. Is that so?
It’s my game (laughs). I play very, very well on these surfaces. I have two shots going fast. He’s not the only one who feels this way. I love playing against the best in the world. Plus it’s my favorite Bercy tournament. These are the games I love to play.
“When I play like this anything is possible”
Ugo Humbert, 18th world edition
Did you have in mind the results of the other Frenchmen on duty with this desire to avenge them?
Honestly no. Everything I do, I do for me. I am fully involved in my tournament in every match. I didn’t look at the results of the other French people at all. I just knew that Arthur (Son) had lost, because it was the game right in front of me. I have no revenge to give. I’m making my own way.
In the quarterfinals you will face Jordan Thompson. How far do you want to go?
I do not know. That’s what’s beautiful. I don’t want to make predictions. I try to live the moment to the fullest. When I play like this anything is possible. We will see. I don’t want to answer. I will prepare for the match as usual. I’m just trying to do things right. He plays very well, he is a great player. He’s already beaten me this year. I’ll try to get a good night’s sleep!
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Title: A Winning Moment: Interview with Ugo Humbert Post-Match Victory
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have a special guest with us: Ugo Humbert, fresh off his stunning victory over Carlos Alcaraz at the Rolex Paris Masters. Ugo, thanks for joining us!
Ugo Humbert: Thank you for having me! It’s great to be here, especially after such an incredible match.
Editor: You defeated the world number 2 and had what you described as the best victory of your career. How does that feel?
Ugo Humbert: Honestly, it’s an amazing feeling! I’ve trained hard all year for moments like this. I was reflecting on everything I’ve gone through, including last year’s defeat to Zverev, and I really didn’t want to relive that. I’m super proud of how I handled the pressure.
Editor: That mental aspect sounds crucial. You mentioned that you were speaking to yourself during the third set. Can you elaborate on that?
Ugo Humbert: Absolutely! I found myself in a challenging position, and I kept reminding myself that I was still in it and that it wasn’t over. Talking to yourself helps to re-focus and maintain the belief that you can turn things around. For me, it worked perfectly that night!
Editor: Before this match, you had faced Alcaraz multiple times, with mixed results, especially at Wimbledon. Did those past experiences guide your strategy?
Ugo Humbert: Yes, definitely! Jérémy Chardy advised me not to overdo it, and that advice stayed with me. I was aggressive when I needed to be, but I also stayed grounded. It all clicked into place, and I was completely in the zone.
Editor: You also mentioned the surface played a significant role. Playing indoors on a fast surface seems to suit your style well. How much did that contribute?
Ugo Humbert: Playing on a fast indoor surface is like second nature to me. My game translates well on that surface, similar to grass. I felt really strong there, especially with the crowd on my side. It made all the difference, and I’m incredibly grateful for their support.
Editor: Carlos Alcaraz himself said you tend to play better against him. What do you think makes your game so effective against him?
Ugo Humbert: (laughs) Well, I think it’s just my style! My shots are fast, which can create challenges for anyone. It’s not just Carlos; I’ve noticed I feel more confident and can elevate my game against top players in general.
Editor: It’s inspiring to hear how you’ve embraced the competitive environment. Looking ahead, what are your goals as you continue in the tournament?
Ugo Humbert: My primary goal is to keep improving and to enjoy the journey. Every match is an opportunity to learn and grow. And of course, I want to continue to challenge the best players in the world!
Editor: Ugo, thank you so much for sharing your insights and experiences with us. Best of luck in the rest of the tournament!
Ugo Humbert: Thank you! I appreciate it and hope to keep making my fans proud.