Ugo Humbert came back from one set down to beat 2018 champion Karen Khachanov 6-7 (6-8) 6-4 6-3 in the semifinal of the Paris Rolex Masters. Humbert has reached the first Masters 1000 final of his career in front of his home fans.
Humbert has become the fifth French player to reach the final at the Masters 1000 tournament on indoor hard court in Paris Bercy and the first since Jo Wilfried Tsonga lost to Roger Federer in 2011.
The French player has earned his 13th consecutive win on indoor hard courts on home soil. He won two titles in Metz in 2023 and Marseille in 2024. Earlier this week he upset Carlos Alcaraz.
Khachanov saved two break points in the fourth game to hold serve after two deuces before breaking serve in the fifth game to take a 3-2 lead. Humbert pulled back on serve immediately in a trade of breaks to 3-3. Humbert played three poor shots at 3-3 to hand Khachanov the chance to serve for the set. Humbert broke straight back to draw level to 6-6 forcing the first set to tie-break. Humbert made a double fault when he was serving at 5-2 in the tie-break. Khachanov pulled both breaks back to draw level to 5-5, as Humbert hit a backhand into the net. Khachanov won four consecutive points to take a 6-5 lead, but he smashed long on his first set point. Khachanov closed out on his second set point to win the tie-break 8-6.
Humbert earned the break in the fifth game to take a 3-2 lead. The French player hit an ace on set point after receiving a time violation. Khachanov called for a medical time-out to receive treatment on his thigh at 3-2. Humbert took advantage by winning four consecutive games with two breaks of serve to close out the decisive set 6-4 aftet 2 hours and 48 minutes.
Humbert set up a final against Alexander Zverev, who beat Arthur final in the first semifinal. The home player is aiming to improve his 6-1 record in finals on Sunday.
“It is amazing to do it in Paris at my favourite tournament. It is a dream. It was a little bit difficult compared to the previous matches. I felt a little bit pressure and after the loss of the first set I tried to enjoy the moment and be with the crowd. I did very well and I am super happy”, said Humbert.
Khachanov finished the season with a 37-22 win-loss record. He won two ATP titles in Doha and Almaty.
