He will have the difficult task of launching the French clan. This Sunday, in the first rotation at 11 a.m., a day and a time slot that few players like. “I have no choice, I wasn’t really asked,” smiles Ugo Humbert. I arrived in Paris on Friday evening, which immediately put me into it. At least I don’t ask myself any questions, I go onto the court to match…
He will have the difficult task of launching the French clan. This Sunday, in the first rotation at 11 a.m., a day and a time slot that few players like. “I have no choice, I wasn’t really asked,” smiles Ugo Humbert. I arrived in Paris on Friday evening, which immediately put me into it. At least I don’t ask myself any questions, I go onto the court to match. » Through his bursts of laughter and his cheerful demeanor, Saturday afternoon, in front of the press, we cannot say that Ugo Humbert felt any pressure, on the eve of playing his first round at Roland-Garros. What’s more, facing his tormentor from last year, Lorenzo Sonego (6-4, 6-3, 7-6).
For any top seed, the Italian was no gift, having beaten Ben Shelton and Andrey Rublev in 2023 before losing to Karen Khachanov in the round of 16. But the French No. 1 reassured himself against the 50th player in the world, dominating him in Monte-Carlo (5-7, 6-3, 6-1) in April. “In Monaco, we had a big match with a magnificent Franco-Italian atmosphere,” remembers the Lorraine. He’s super aggressive and has great touch, I took a lot of drop shots in Monte-Carlo. He’s not the guy who wants to run everywhere. I have to try to play higher on his backhand to take earlier whenever I have an opportunity. Physically, I ended up gaining the upper hand. I will try to move in this direction. »
“I saw the qualifications, there was a crazy atmosphere. It made me want”
After three bitter editions for the French, losing your No. 1 before the start of the afternoon would be a bad signal. But Jérémy Chardy’s protégé assures not to ask too many questions. “I am especially happy to start my Roland,” he adds. I saw the qualifications, there was a crazy atmosphere. It made me want it. »
Garcia believes in his chances
All that remains is to not cool it on a Lenglen ready to burst into flames at the slightest spark. A little later in the afternoon, it is the leader of the Bleues, Caroline Garcia, who will play the role of scout on the Chatrier against the German qualifier Eva Lys. A smooth start? Eternal hope every year, the French No. 1 remains on three defeats in the second round in three years.
With a semi-final at the ATP 250 tournament in Rouen as her best result on clay this season, the Lyonnaise says she is confident, despite her defeats in the second round in Madrid then in Rome. “Compared to my start to the season and my history, I know that my level can allow me to beat any player,” estimates the 23rd player in the world. Am I able to produce it over two weeks? This is a question mark compared to the last results I had. I’m not going to say that I’m the favorite, that’s for sure, but do I believe in my chances? Yes. » This Sunday will set the tone.
2024-05-25 18:11:00
#French #clan #Ugo #Humbert #Caroline #Garcia #show
