In a spectacular display of tennis, Germany’s Alexander Zverev triumphed at the Paris Masters on Sunday, defeating home favorite Ugo Humbert with a commanding scoreline of 6-2, 6-2.
The victory not only marked Zverev’s return to form following a disappointing loss in the French Open final earlier this year, but it also elevated him to the new world number two ranking, solidifying his position as one of the top players in the sport.
The final took place at the Bercy Arena, a venue that held mixed memories for Zverev. In 2020, he lost to Daniil Medvedev in the championship match, but on this occasion, he delivered an emphatic performance that left little doubt about his dominance on the court.
“I knew I had to play like this to win today,” Zverev said in his victory speech, addressing the crowd with gratitude and humility.
“I want to congratulate Ugo on an incredible week; he’s an incredible player. If you continue like this, you’ll be able to lift trophies like this. This is not your last chance, Ugo.”
Zverev’s journey to the final was marked by impressive victories, including a pivotal win in the semifinals that ensured he would surpass Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz in the ATP rankings.
His performance in Paris has positioned him as a favorite heading into the upcoming ATP Finals in Turin, scheduled for November 10-17.
Zverev, who has previously won the season-ending championship in 2018 and 2021, is looking to replicate that success and add another prestigious title to his name.
With Sunday’s victory, Zverev achieved his 66th win of the year, placing him ahead of current world number one Jannik Sinner. His ability to consistently secure wins throughout the season has bolstered his confidence as he heads into the final stretch of the year.
For Humbert, the match was a bittersweet experience. The 26-year-old Frenchman reached his first career Masters final in front of a passionate home crowd, and his journey included a stunning upset against four-time Grand Slam winner Alcaraz in the last 16. Despite the defeat, Humbert expressed pride in his achievements.
“I want to congratulate Sascha for the quality of the tennis he has played all this week and season,” Humbert said. “I came as a kid to watch matches here at the Paris Masters, and it made me want to do what I do, so I’m very happy to have reached the final.”
The match itself showcased Zverev’s punishing strokes and strategic prowess. Although Humbert held serve in the opening game with a remarkable forehand passing shot, Zverev quickly took control, converting a break point in the third game and leading 4-1 by the end of the first set. With only four unforced errors compared to Humbert’s 17, Zverev’s consistency proved overwhelming.
The second set began with a double fault from Humbert, allowing Zverev to seize an early lead. Despite the vocal support of the crowd, Humbert struggled to make an impact on Zverev’s service games, managing to hold serve only once in the second set.
Ultimately, Zverev served out the match, clinching his second Masters trophy of the season after his earlier victory in Rome.
As the dust settles in Paris, Zverev looks forward to the challenges ahead, while Humbert’s journey remains one of promise and potential, signaling an exciting future for French tennis.
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