For his first quarter-final on the main circuit since the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, Ugo Humbert (40th) found himself facing the returning Kevin Anderson. Returning because the South African, long handicapped by various injuries, had not appeared in competition since a second round at the Masters 1000 in Miami in 2022 and was returning to business on the occasion of this Newport Open.
Anderson’s lack of competition was quickly felt during a first set where, despite a starving percentage of first serves (48%), Humbert was impeccable. Often reduced to a simple big server when he is much more complete than that, Anderson however could not count on his main weapon as Humbert proved to be formidable in returns. Constantly under pressure on his commitments, Anderson conceded his serve twice in the first set. And despite four break points, he did not have the resource to go and take the commitment of Humbert who always knew how to get the right shot or force his opponent to move too complicated to properly adjust his strike.
If the second set was mainly marked by a break from Anderson while Humbert led 3-1, the Frenchman was however never worried, playing one of his best matches in recent weeks after a disappointing grass season (a victory for four matches before arriving in Rhode Island). The last game demonstrated the Frenchman’s mastery. Led 0-30, he lined up three winning services and an untouchable passing. Here he is in the semi-finals where he will meet Adrian Mannarino, who struck Australian Jordan Thompson earlier in the day.
2023-07-20 21:59:32
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