When it comes to the Next Generation names such as Stefanos Tsitsipas and Alexander Zverev are at the top of the list. But a bit further down the list is another player with a very promising future.
20-year-old Ugo Humbert hasn’t been in the media spotlight as much as some other players his age. Yet, his rise on the tour has been just as impressive. Within 12 months he improved his year-end ranking from 374th in 2017 to 84th in 2018. During that time he has won six titles – three in the Futures and three on the Challenger Tour. At the US Open last year he made his grand slam debut after coming through qualifying, losing in the second round of the tournament to Stan Wawrinka.
“I am much stronger mentally from last year to this year. I am working on that with my coach (Cedric Reynaud). Now, I know that I can win a Challenger. For me, it’s important. I can be more aggressive with my game and beat good players.” Former junior world No.16 Humbert said last August.
Humbert’s rise up the ranks continues this year. Over the weekend he defeated former top 40 player Steve Darcis in three sets to win the Cherbourg Challenger in his home country. An achievement that has elevated him to a ranking best of 75th in the world. The momentum continues into this week’s Open 13, which is an ATP 250 event. On Thursday he stunned second seed Borna Coric 6-3, 6-3, to reach his maiden quarter-final on the ATP Tour. Coric is the highest ranked player he has ever defeated.
“My level was good, very positive,” atptour.com quoted Humbert as saying. “The atmosphere was great, and it’s always easier when you aren’t the favourite. This was the first time I played a player ranked that high. I was able to stay calm and played well.”
Speaking to French media at the tournament, the Next Gen star said he managed to secure the milestone win by staying calm throughout the match. Against Coric, he dropped only six points behind his first serve and saved both of the break points he faced.
“I handled the important moments very well,” He said. “I was strong on it. I remain calm, one must not be too euphoric yet.”
Now with a shot of reach the semi-finals in Marseille, the rising star will next take on Germany’s Matthias Bachinger, who is ranked 143rd in the world.
“Bachinger hits hard, he’s a dangerous and aggressive player. We saw it at the end of 2018 in Metz where he reached the final after coming out of qualifying … “ Humbert commented about his upcoming opponent.
Humbert is currently the fourth youngest player in the top 100 on the men’s tour.
