Alexander Zverev Triumphs in Epic Battle Against Ugo Humbert: A Test of Skill and Stamina

Alexander Zverev passed the test against the crowd favorite – but had to put in an extra shift: The German won against Ugo Humbert 6:4, 6:7 (3), 7:6 (5) and was particularly impressive in Paris with his attitude .

by Daniel Müksch

last edited: November 1st, 2023, 10:43 p.m

© Getty Images

From the very first rally, Alexander Zverev had to fight in his service game, supported by his compatriots, Ugo Humbert started like a fire brigade. Zverev also showed a good attitude on the pitch from the start and was able to repeatedly fend off the constant attacks of the left-hander from France.

The biggest miracle in the first set: that there was no break for so long. There were always break chances for the respective returning player. But no player took action.

Battle of attrition between Zverev and Humbert

Zverev then chose the perfect time for the break: at 4:4 he was able to take Humbert’s serve. Enough to win the set. Even though the German initially stayed true to himself and had to fend off several break chances, but after almost an hour and ten minutes the German took the first set 6:4.

And what changed in the second sentence? At first nothing. Alexander Zverev’s first serve game at 0-1 took over ten minutes again – with game balls on both sides. Zverev was able to save his serve and make it 1:1.

At 2:2, the German number 1 was able to use a break ball to make it 3:2 and turned into the home straight. And suddenly Zverev showed that he doesn’t have to fend off break points or go over deuce every time he serves. At least with two service games to 5:4.

Zverev: First loss of serve with victory in sight

At 5:4, his wobbly arm returned when serving and Zverev had to accept his first break – the moment he served for the match. The Frenchman saved himself to make it 5:5 – and shortly afterwards led 6:5 in the second set. Now, of course, the French audience was wide awake again and whipped the outsider forward. But Zverev got into the tie-break thanks to some strong passing balls.

Here Umbert was ahead 4-1 early on and the 25-year-old couldn’t let that go. With a 7:3 in the tie-break we went into a third set.

And Humbert was able to carry the momentum from the second set. Zverev played too passively in many situations and the Frenchman took control. He was able to break the German to make it 3-2. Now Humbert seemed to be entering the home straight. But despite all his weaknesses in the game, you can’t accuse Alexander Zverev of not giving his all. The Hamburg native fought back and got the break back to make it 4:4 – three hours had already been played in the French capital. A little later, Zverev was only a few points short of victory at 5:4.

But the two opponents liked the pitch so much that they went into extra time again – 5:5. A little later there was a tie-break for the second time that evening. Humbert got off to a better start again and quickly led 4-2. But even in the tie-break, Zverev could rely on his fighting spirit, he just didn’t give up, dug out every ball and Humbert showed nerves. Zverev used his first match point at 6:5 with a strong serve and a two-handed, follow-through backhand volley – after exactly 3 hours and 28 minutes.

Stefanos Tsitsipas is waiting for the German in the next round.

Here is the individual tableau in Paris-Bercy

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2023-11-01 21:00:00
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