You have to pinch yourself to believe it on the center court of the Accor Arena. Looking for a French feat for the last edition of the Rolex Paris Masters before the 2025 move to the Paris La Défense Arena, Bercy was served. In an atmosphere that only the East of Paris can offer, and to validate a ticket to the quarter-finals, Ugo Humbert committed a crime of lèse majesté by dominating in three sets (6-1, 3-6, 7- 5 ) the new king of Paris, winner of Roland-Garros and Olympic vice-champion this summer, Carlos Alcaraz. “One of the best moments of my life on a tennis court”, his own words after the match. Very simply.
However, we thought the Italian feat was planned for today, when Arthur Fils took world number 3 Alexander Zverev to an all-possibility third set. In the end it was even bigger when evening fell, Messin entered the Central. No one really gave much of their skin. Their last Davis Cup match ended with a quick victory for the Spaniard (6-3, 6-3), just over a month ago. Earlier this summer, it was Alcaraz himself who prevented him from reaching his first Grand Slam quarter-final at Wimbledon.
“Wait, 3-0, 0-40 for Ugo’s dick”
Nevertheless. In a late-night session which caused a long queue outside and some access difficulties, it was important not to miss the start of the meeting. Or treat yourself to a trip to the bathroom before sitting down. Even blinking. In just over 12 minutes of play, Ugo Humbert had already broken his opponent’s serve twice.
“Wait, 3-0, 0-40 for the damned Ugo”, Arthur Fils was also surprised as he passed in front of the television screen in the press room. About ten minutes later, the French number 1, who had requested a court worthy of his status, after having been scheduled in the annex the day before, surprised Central by pocketing the first set (6-1). Certainly well helped by an opponent of the day with absent season ticket holders and guilty of 15 unforced errors, Messin, twice a title winner this season in Marseille and Dubai, offered a demonstration of his left foot, almost moving into the corridor to serve.
“He was fantastic from the start of the match. Every time he plays against me, I feel he is even better. And in Paris even more,” said the Spaniard, overwhelmed in front of him.
An unreal third set
But all this did not yet have the flavor of an exploit. It was necessary to add a little spice, and bring the Spaniard back to the highest levels in the second set (6-1, 3-6). Just to take Bercy into a suffocating third set at past 9pm.
This is where the evening became unreal. With prolonged exchanges, completely improbable defenses by Alcaraz, under the extraordinarily precise shots of the Frenchman, the fans paid their money this Thursday evening, applauding the exploits of one rather than the other. “It was very difficult to play in these conditions. But I loved it. The fans were respectful. We had a lot of fun,” explained the world number 2 after the match. As if the Spaniard had some French blood that evening. As if the Frenchman also had some of the Spaniard’s talent.
But there had to be a winner. And Humbert, with unstoppable composure, reminded the world number 2 that if he had made Paris his home at Roland-Garros, the Rolex Paris Masters would have resisted him for another year, he who has never done better than a quarter of final in Bercy in 2022. “There were incredible points in the 3rd set. Especially at 5-5. I save both break points on serve. I really don’t know what’s going on,” he says, his voice still shaking from the feat.
In a melting room, roaring under the kicks of the spectators, the 18th in the world finished well, even if he finds it hard to believe it, defeating Alcaraz (6-1, 3-6, 7-5) under a final setback which is too long. The public was not allowed to see the Frenchman lying on the ground, but it was worth a few screams of anger as his heart beat. Next most manageable obstacle in the quarter-finals: Australian Jordan Thompson, 28th in the world. Before a potential semifinal against Karen Khachanov or Grigor Dimitrov, who defeated Arthur Rinderknech at the end of the evening (6-2, 4-6, 7-6).
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Time.news Editor (TNE): Good evening and welcome to our special interview session. Today, we’re diving into an extraordinary match at the Rolex Paris Masters where Ugo Humbert pulled off a stunning upset against Carlos Alcaraz. We have with us tennis analyst and former athlete, Dr. Claire Dubois. Claire, it’s great to have you here!
Dr. Claire Dubois (DCD): Thank you for having me! What an incredible match it was!
TNE: Indeed! Ugo Humbert played remarkably well, defeating the reigning king of Paris, Carlos Alcaraz. How significant is this victory for Humbert and what does it mean for French tennis?
DCD: This win is monumental for Humbert. Not only is it a statement against Alcaraz, who recently triumphed at Roland-Garros and was the Olympic vice-champion, but it also signifies a resurgence for French men’s tennis. The home crowd at Accor Arena creates an electrifying atmosphere that certainly gives players like Humbert that extra boost.
TNE: Speaking of the crowd, the environment in East Paris seems quite unique. How much do you think the audience impacted Humbert’s performance?
DCD: The support of the local fans can be a double-edged sword. It can spur a player to new heights while also intensifying pressure. However, in this case, Humbert used the energy to his advantage. Early in the match, he broke Alcaraz’s serve twice, showcasing an incredible start. The crowd really rallied behind him, and it made a difference.
TNE: Right! Humbert started strong with a 6-1 score in the first set but then faced a comeback from Alcaraz. His resilience must be highlighted. What do you think went into Humbert’s ability to stay composed?
DCD: Humbert’s ability to handle pressure is critical. Despite losing the second set and facing a tough opponent like Alcaraz, he maintained his focus. In the decisive third set, the long exchanges and stunning defensive plays, particularly by Alcaraz, only amplified the drama. Humbert’s mental fortitude allowed him to regain momentum and push through until the very end.
TNE: There was a mention of unforced errors on Alcaraz’s part, too. How significant do you think those were in the course of the match?
DCD: Absolutely! The 15 unforced errors during the match from Alcaraz were pivotal. A seasoned player like him usually capitalizes on mistakes from his opponents. In this instance, those errors were costly, especially against a player in form like Humbert. It reflects how Humbert was not only playing well but also forcing Alcaraz into tough spots, making those mistakes more likely.
TNE: Alcaraz has been formidable this season, so what does this loss mean for him moving forward?
DCD: This loss is certainly a wake-up call for Alcaraz. While it doesn’t redefine his season, it does remind him that he’s not invincible. Athletes need to experience challenges, especially leading into major tournaments. It’s crucial for him to analyze what went wrong and adjust his game going forward.
TNE: As we wrap up, what do you think is next for Humbert? Can he carry this momentum through the rest of the Masters 1000 and beyond?
DCD: If Humbert can maintain this level of performance, there’s no limit to what he can achieve. Confidence from such an impressive win can be transformative. Players often ride the wave of their success, so we may see him build on this victory in his upcoming matches. It’s an exciting time for him, and I would definitely keep an eye on him in the tournament!
TNE: Thank you, Claire! Your insights into the match have been enlightening. It certainly was an unforgettable evening in Paris, and we’re excited to see what’s next for these talented players.
DCD: Thank you! It was a pleasure discussing this fantastic match with you.
TNE: And thank you to our viewers for tuning in! Stay with us for more updates from the world of sports.
