Tennis: Zverev ends Humbert’s run at Paris Masters

Alexander Zverev defeated Ugo Humbert 6-2, 6-2 on Sunday at the Paris Masters, winning his seventh Masters 1000 title and ending the Frenchman’s hot run.

Humbert, who had knocked out world No.2 Carlos Alcaraz earlier in the tournament, was a moderate underdog at tennis bookmakers heading into his first Masters 1000 final.

The world No.18 had no answer for Zverev’s consistency from the baseline and strong serving display, falling in an hour and 15 minutes in a match that failed to deliver what the large local crowd hoped.

“I knew I had to play like this to win today,” Zverev said.

“Ugo is an incredible player, but here in Paris, he plays even better than he usually does and I knew that.

“Once the crowd gets involved, it’s going to be difficult.

“So, I had to take that away early, and I did, so I’m happy about that.”

With two Masters 1000 titles this year, Zverev appears to have shaken off any doubts that arose after he broke his ankle at the French Open in 2022.

“It was not 100% guaranteed that I would be back at this level after Roland Garros two years ago, when I basically broke everything possible in my ankle,” he said.

“So, to win this title here in Paris means the world to me, and I’m sure it means everything to those in my box, because they have done so much for me.”

The German’s successful run in Paris returns him to No.2 in the world and positions him nicely heading into the ATP Finals in Turin next weekend.

Humbert, meanwhile, rises to a career high of No.14 in the world and was upbeat despite the loss.

“I’m extremely happy to have played in this final,” he said.

“To have my family and team with me the whole week has been incredible.

“It’s for moments like this why I do this every day, why I train.”

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