TNT Sports
ATP Paris Masters: Ugo Humbert beats struggling Karen Khachanov to set up Paris Masters final against Alexander Zverev
By
Updated 02/11/2024 at 20:19 GMT
React to this story
Alexander Zverev will play Ugo Humbert in Sunday's ATP Paris Masters final, after the German defeated Denmark's Holger Rune in two sets on Saturday. Zverev's win took him to No. 2 in the men's world rankings, while for Rune the defeat ended his hopes of appearing in the ATP Finals, to be held in Italy later this month. Humbert beat Karen Khachanov in their semi-final.
ATP Paris : Highlights - Humbert v Khachanov (SNTV)
Video credit: SNTV
Ugo Humbert downed Karen Khachanov to set up an ATP Paris Masters final against Alexander Zverev, who beat Holger Rune earlier on Saturday.
The Frenchman will play on Sunday in the first ATP 1000 final of his career, as he looks to land a seventh ATP tournament trophy.
The 26-year-old came from behind after losing a tie-break in the first set, before rallying to a 6-7(6) 6-4 6-3 win in his home country.
Khachanov had been in impressive form throughout the tournament but Humbert, who beat Carlos Alcaraz earlier in the week, was in excellent nick himself and hit 35 winners on his way to victory.
The Russian suffered a leg injury that required a medical timeout midway through the third set, and by the final two games of the match he was struggling to move at all on court, giving the Frenchman a straightforward conclusion to the match.
"It is amazing to do it in Paris at my favourite tournament. It is a dream," Humbert said after his win.
He continued: "It was a little bit difficult compared to the previous matches. I felt a little more 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 proud."
In Saturday's first match, Zverev advanced to the final with an impressive, straight-sets win over Rune.
The defeat means that the Dane will be unable to secure sufficient ranking points to take part in the men’s season finale.
Rune had needed to win the title in order to stay in the running for the ATP Finals, to be held in Italy, featuring the top eight in men’s tennis.
Zverev battled to claim a 6-3 7-6(4) victory in an hour and 47 minutes, though he will be relieved to get the win after failing to serve out for the match when he was 5-4 up in the second set.
The 27-year-old German also climbed to No. 2 in the world rankings, overtaking Spain’s Alcaraz in the standings.
- Rybakina appoints former Djokovic coach Ivanisevic for 2025 season
- Home favourite Humbert stuns Alcaraz in 'crazy match' to reach quarter-finals in Paris
Zverev said after the win: "I feel like I made it a little difficult for myself, but he is a champion.
“It is probably his favourite tournament and favourite court, but I am happy to be in my second final here.
"I am looking forward to it."
For Zverev, the win hands him a chance to secure his seventh ATP 1000 title.
Stream top tennis action live and on-demand on discovery+
Advertisement
Advertisement