Ugo Humbert claims he ‘deserved better’ after Paris Masters court snub
Ugo Humbert is one of five French players to have reached the last-16 at the Paris Masters this year, but he was left ‘disappointed’ after being left off the Centre Court schedule.
Humbert beat American Marcos Giron, 6-3 6-2, in just over an hour to progress to the third round in Paris for the second time in his career.
Despite the impressive victory, the World No.18 and ATP French No.1 seemed more irritated that he was left off the top court in his home capital when speaking after the match.
“I was disappointed, because I think I deserved better,” said Humbert. “I’m No.1 French player, and I have practiced on the centre court.
“It’s my favourite tournament. I was disappointed that I was not on the centre court. But I have deserved to play for the third round.”
Humbert was placed on the secondary court (Court No.1) yesterday, with three other French players in Arthur Fils, Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard and Arthur Cazaux getting priority on Centre Court.
However, Humbert did play on Centre Court during his first round win against Brandon Nakashima on Monday, and was aware that this victory would likely put him back on the main stage against Carlos Alcaraz.
“I’m someone who is very nice. But, you know, sometimes it is used against me,” claimed the 26-year-old. “I’m delighted to have won this match, to have deserved playing on the Centre Court against Alcaraz.”
Humbert will play the highest ranked player remaining in the draw, Alcaraz, in the evening session on Centre Court in Paris-Bercy later today, as he looks to match his best previous result at the tournament.
A spook-tacular Thursday awaits 🕸️🎃🕷️
Full order of play on https://t.co/89K0VKiNXs#RolexParisMasters pic.twitter.com/ZgxTz8iULm
— ROLEX PARIS MASTERS (@RolexPMasters) October 30, 2024
Inside the baseline…
It is understandable that Ugo Humbert feels a bit aggrieved to not always be on the top court at his home Masters 1000 event, especially when he is the top ranked French player. However, sometimes it is not just about you, but also your opponent and whether the tournament director thinks the match deserves top billing. All Humbert can do is keep on winning, giving the tournament director no choice but to put him on Centre Court, and his match against Carlos Alcaraz should be a thriller tonight.
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