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Humbert knocks out Alcaraz to join Zverev and Tsitsipas in Paris Masters quarterfinals

Humbert knocks out Alcaraz to join Zverev and Tsitsipas in Paris Masters quarterfinals
France's Ugo Humbert celebrates after winning against Spain's Carlos Alcaraz in their men's singles round of 16 at the Paris ATP Masters 1000 tennis tournament at the Accor Arena in Paris on Oct. 31, 2024. (AFP)
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Updated 01 November 2024

Humbert knocks out Alcaraz to join Zverev and Tsitsipas in Paris Masters quarterfinals

Humbert knocks out Alcaraz to join Zverev and Tsitsipas in Paris Masters quarterfinals
  • Humbert: There were some incredible points, I think I have just experienced one of my greatest moments on a tennis court
  • Eighth-seeded Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov beat Arthur Rinderknech 6-2, 4-6, 7-6 (5) to have an outside chance of reaching the season-ending ATP Finals

PARIS: Frenchman Ugo Humbert harnessed the energy of the home crowd and produced one of his best career performances in beating Carlos Alcaraz 6-1, 3-6, 7-5 to reach the quarterfinals of the Paris Masters on Thursday.

A flurry of forehand and backhand winners had Alcaraz 5-0 down in a first set so one-sided that Alcaraz — a four-time Grand Slam winner — ironically waved his racket and grinned to the crowd after holding in the sixth game.

“There were some incredible points, I think I have just experienced one of my greatest moments on a tennis court,” Humbert said. “I don’t want it to end here.”

The second-seeded Alcaraz controlled the second set but, after missing chances during the third set, served to stay in the match. The crowd jeered a replayed point but Alcaraz was unperturbed and held comfortably for 5-5.

Sensing a big upset, Humbert got the Bercy Arena crowd going in the next game.

The 26-year-old left-hander looked like he was about to do a lap of honor after a brilliant forehand pass down the line at full stretch and earned ovations following a superb angled volley and a booming winner that flew past his Spanish opponent.

“I have to congratulate Ugo. His performance has been really high,” Alcaraz said. “The way he hits the ball is unbelievable.”

Alcaraz said Hubert deserved victory, but added that the unusually high speed of the court made it more difficult for him — especially with the low trajectory of Humbert’s shots.

“The stats came out that this is the fastest court in the Masters 1000, probably on the tour,” the 21-year-old Spaniard said. “For example, the Davis Cup indoor court (was) way slower.”

A rattled-looking Alcaraz trailed 0-30 in the 12th game. Umpire Richard Haigh intervened to calm the crowd, urging them not to cheer when Alcaraz made a fault on serve and then said in English “Guys, you’re affecting both players.”

Serving again to stay in the match at 15-40, Alcaraz saved one match point but returned long on the next as the 15th-seeded Humbert set up a last-eight contest with Australian Jordan Thompson.

Eighth-seeded Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov beat Arthur Rinderknech 6-2, 4-6, 7-6 (5) to have an outside chance of reaching the season-ending ATP Finals. Dimitrov, who served 17 aces, needs to reach Sunday’s final and next faces 2018 champion Karen Khachanov.

Earlier, Alexander Zverev silenced the raucous home crowd, beating French prospect Arthur Fils 6-4, 3-6, 6-3.

The third-seeded German compiled 16 aces compared to nine for the 20-year-old Fils in their first indoor meeting.

“I am happy I hung in there today,” Zverev said. “He is a great player and has improved a lot this year. I am looking forward to the next few battles we are going to have.”

Zverev, the French Open runner-up, saved three break points in serving for the match at 5-3.

“The atmosphere here is a lot louder than at Roland Garros,” the 27-year-old Zverev said. “The crowd is on top of you.”

He next plays 10th-seeded Stefanos Tsitsipas in their 16th career meeting, with Tsitsipas 10-5 up.

The big-serving Greek earlier rallied to beat Francisco Cerundolo 6-7 (1), 6-4, 6-2 to stay in contention to qualify for next month’s Finals in Turin, the year-end tournament gathering the season’s top eight players.

Although Tsitsipas hit nine aces and saved all three break points, he converted only three of his 11 break-point chances.

In other third-round matches, ninth-seeded Alex De Minaur kept up his chances of reaching the Finals with a 5-7, 6-2, 6-3 victory against Britain’s Jack Draper, the US Open semifinalist, and 2022 champion Holger Rune edged out lucky loser Arthur Cazaux 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.

Khachanov won 7-6 (5), 6-4 against Alexei Popyrin and Thompson advanced to the first Masters quarterfinal of his career by beating veteran Adrian Mannarino 7-5, 7-6 (5).

Top-ranked Jannik Sinner pulled out of the Paris Masters as did the record seven-time champion Djokovic.


Ailing Djokovic beaten in Shanghai semis by qualifier Vacherot

Ailing Djokovic beaten in Shanghai semis by qualifier Vacherot
Updated 11 October 2025

Ailing Djokovic beaten in Shanghai semis by qualifier Vacherot

Ailing Djokovic beaten in Shanghai semis by qualifier Vacherot
  • The 26-year-old qualifier from Monaco beat Djokovic 6-3, 6-4 to deny him a record-extending fifth title in Shanghai

SHANGHAI: An ailing Novak Djokovic was knocked out of the Shanghai Masters semifinals on Saturday by world number 204 Valentin Vacherot.
The 26-year-old qualifier from Monaco beat Djokovic 6-3, 6-4 to deny him a record-extending fifth title in Shanghai.
A hobbling Djokovic, 38, threw up courtside and received medical treatment multiple times.
Vacherot will face either his cousin, the unseeded Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech, or Daniil Medvedev in Sunday’s final.
“I’m trying to pinch myself, is this real,” said Vacherot after the biggest win of his career.
“I know not many of you guys wanted me to win,” he told the crowd, who had cheered thunderously for 24-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic.
“To have Novak on the other side of the court was first of all an invaluable experience for me.
“I have a hundred feelings right now.”
Djokovic, the former world number one, said Vacherot’s unlikely run in the tournament was “an amazing story.”
Vacherot is the lowest-ranked player to reach an ATP Masters 1000 final since the format’s introduction in 1990.
“I told him at the net that he’s had an amazing tournament, but more so his attitude is very good...so it’s all about him,” said Djokovic.
“I wish him all the best in the finals and the better player won today.”
Health issues
Djokovic declined to answer questions about his physical state.
He had said after his last match that he was concerned after battling vomiting bouts, leg injury scares and fatigue throughout the tournament.
However, he looked alert and seemed to be having a dream start when he broke in the first game.
But the satisfaction was short-lived as Vacherot broke back instantly.
The Serb began having issues in his left leg at the start of the seventh game, stopping to stretch multiple times and dropping to the ground at one point.
He had to take an extended medical break, lying on his stomach shirtless as a physio attended to his back.
He got up but was still uncomfortable, hitting a ball against the wall in frustration after having to shake his leg out again.
With Djokovic clearly unable to move normally, Vacherot had an easy time breaking again in the eighth game, then fired two aces to hold the ninth and claim the set.
Djokovic received treatment again at the break, but was clearly still struggling in the second set.
In temperatures of 31°C and humidity levels of 62 percent, Djokovic managed to hold the first game despite facing breakpoint twice and falling to the ground again.
Serving in the ninth game he hit two double-faults in quick succession before recovering, only to ultimately be broken upon committing another.
Despite a last-gasp effort from Djokovic, Vacherot held serve and his nerve to seal victory.


Djokovic battles into Shanghai Masters semifinals as Vacherot’s fairytale run continues

Djokovic battles into Shanghai Masters semifinals as Vacherot’s fairytale run continues
Updated 10 October 2025

Djokovic battles into Shanghai Masters semifinals as Vacherot’s fairytale run continues

Djokovic battles into Shanghai Masters semifinals as Vacherot’s fairytale run continues
  • Vacherot pulled off a huge upset, stunning 10th seed Holger Rune 2-6 7-6(4) 6-4 to become the second-lowest ranked player ever to reach an ATP Masters semifinal
  • Vacherot’s cousin Arthur Rinderknech is also in the quarterfinals, with the Frenchman set to play Felix Auger-Aliassime on Friday

SHANGHAI: Fourth seed Novak Djokovic battled past a spirited Zizou Bergs 6-3, 7-5 on Thursday to reach the Shanghai Masters semifinals for a 10th time, setting up a clash with surprise package and world No. 204 Valentin Vacherot.

In challenging conditions, Djokovic was made to work harder than the scoreline suggests by his Belgian opponent, who actually registered more winners than the four-time champion but was undone by unforced errors.

“First encounter with Bergs, a great guy. Obviously a lot of firepower in his game. He played a good game,” Djokovic said.

“Again, I was a little bit too passive. Just very challenging conditions these days for all the players. Just trying to stay alive on the court and glad to overcome this hurdle.”

Bergs shows resilience

In the opening set, Bergs showed remarkable resilience by saving five set points to frustrate Djokovic, before the Serbian finally closed it out with an unreturned serve.

The second set proved even more gruelling, with both players serving well but treating the crowd to breathtaking rallies that left Djokovic hunched over his racquet on several occasions.

The highlight came during one extraordinary rally where Djokovic gave Bergs five golden opportunities to seal the point with overhead shots and volleys at the net, only to somehow emerge victorious and bring the crowd to its feet.

Djokovic eventually sealed victory on his third match point, advancing to face Vacherot in what promises to be an intriguing semifinal clash.

“Amazing story for him. This tournament has taken out top players of the world... it’s really impressive what he’s doing,” Djokovic said.

Vacherot set to crack top 100

Vacherot pulled off a huge upset, stunning 10th seed Holger Rune 2-6 7-6(4) 6-4 to become the second-lowest ranked player ever to reach an ATP Masters semifinal.

The Monegasque qualifier’s remarkable run will see him crack the top 100 next week after spending half of last year sidelined with injury, but even playing in Shanghai was a question mark when he arrived.

“I didn’t even come as a qualifier, I came as an alternate. I wasn’t sure to even play the qualifier,” Vacherot said.

“Coming back from six months out is always not easy. You cannot just come back and win tournaments right and left. You’ve just got to fight your way through a little bit.”

Vacherot’s stunning journey in Shanghai, which now includes wins over four seeds, looked doomed early on as Rune raced through a physically demanding opening set while the underdog felt his “lungs were screaming.”

But the tide turned dramatically in the second-set tiebreak when Vacherot produced a stunning backhand crosscourt winner to take a 5-4 lead.

Rune crashed his next shot into the net and could only watch as Vacherot fired a forehand winner down the line on set point to level the match.

Rune struggled physically in the decider, requiring the trainer twice to massage his leg. Vacherot then capitalized to complete a memorable victory in a contest lasting a minute shy of three hours.

“It would mean a lot to play at least one of the guys of the ‘Big Three’ in my career,” Vacherot said on playing Djokovic.

Vacherot’s cousin Arthur Rinderknech is also in the quarterfinals, with the Frenchman set to play Felix Auger-Aliassime on Friday.


 


Sabalenka battles to keep Wuhan record alive, Pegula survives marathon

Sabalenka battles to keep Wuhan record alive, Pegula survives marathon
Updated 08 October 2025

Sabalenka battles to keep Wuhan record alive, Pegula survives marathon

Sabalenka battles to keep Wuhan record alive, Pegula survives marathon
  • The world number one started slowly in her first match since she clinched a fourth Grand Slam title at the US Open last month

WUHAN, China: Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka battled hard Wednesday to keep her unbeaten record in Wuhan intact, having to come from behind to beat Slovakia’s Rebecca Sramkova 4-6, 6-3, 6-1.
The world number one started slowly in her first match since she clinched a fourth Grand Slam title at the US Open last month.
But the Belarusian found her power game in the final set to reach the Wuhan Open last 16, where she will face the 16th-seeded Russian Liudmila Samsonova.
Sabalenka is chasing a fourth consecutive crown in Wuhan where she has a perfect 18-0 win-loss record.
The first three games went against serve but it was Sramkova who consolidated for 3-1, and it was all she needed to grab the opening set in 35 minutes, firing 15 winners.
Sabalenka hit back to level and swept through the decider to win in just under two hours.
“She played incredible tennis, especially in the first set. There wasn’t much I could do against her,” said Sabalenka.
“I knew after that little break, it will be not that easy to get back in my rhythm.
“But I’m really glad that in the second set I found my game, I stepped in, and I think I played really great.”
Gauff cruise
Third seed Coco Gauff, a semifinalist in Wuhan last year, booked her place in the last 16 with a smooth 6-1, 6-0 performance against Japanese qualifier Moyuka Uchijima.
Gauff was flawless throughout a 51-minute victory that was her 18th on Chinese soil since 2023, the most at WTA level by any player in China during that period.
Gauff will square off with Chinese wildcard Zhang Shuai for a place in the quarter-finals.
In contrast, world number six Jessica Pegula survived a “wild ride,” needing seven match points and almost three hours to overcome fellow American Hailey Baptiste 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (8/6).
Pegula served for the win twice, at 5-2 and 5-4 in the third set, but Baptiste dug deep to save five match points and took four games in a row for a 6-5 advantage.
Pegula steadied the ship to force a tiebreak and she finally wrapped up the victory on her seventh match point.
“It’s been brutal,” said Pegula, who will face Russian ninth seed Ekaterina Alexandrova in the third round.
“Match points, then she started playing well, I think I just got a little tentative,” admitted Pegula.
“And that’s all it takes sometimes for someone to come back.
“I’m really proud of myself for how I held it together because I think I easily could have just collapsed. But I held tough, so yeah, that was a wild ride.”
Heat again played a factor as 12th-seeded Karolina Muchova joined the likes of Emma Raducanu, Jelena Ostapenko and Dayana Yastremska on the list of mid-match retirees in Wuhan.
With temperatures soaring above 30°C, Muchova struggled with the heat and had her vitals checked on court before she retired while trailing Magdalena Frech 7-6 (7/1), 4-1.


Djokovic overcomes fatigue and humidity to reach Shanghai quarterfinals

Djokovic overcomes fatigue and humidity to reach Shanghai quarterfinals
Updated 08 October 2025

Djokovic overcomes fatigue and humidity to reach Shanghai quarterfinals

Djokovic overcomes fatigue and humidity to reach Shanghai quarterfinals
  • The win made Djokovic the oldest man to reach the last eight at an ATP Masters 1000 event

SHANGHAI: Novak Djokovic needed medical attention after losing the second set but recovered to beat Jaume Munar 6-3, 5-7, 6-2 in hot and humid conditions at the Shanghai Masters on Tuesday.
After losing a long rally by sending a forehand wide to end the second set, Djokovic slumped to the ground and remained sprawled on his back with his forearm over his eyes for several seconds. He then slowly sat up and rested his head between his legs before he was helped back to his chair by a trainer.
He was given medical treatment in his chair before the start of the third set but then broke Munar straight away after his opponent missed a simple overhead when leading 40-15.
The 38-year-old Djokovic declined to do the traditional on-court interview after the match but wrote on X: “Tough day at the office. Very challenging physically.”
The win made Djokovic the oldest man to reach the last eight at an ATP Masters 1000 event — two months older than Roger Federer was when he reached the quarterfinals in Shanghai in 2019.
Djokovic is chasing a record-extending 41st Masters title.
He will next face Zizou Bergs of Belgium.
Tenth-seeded Holger Rune also came through a tough challenge, defeating big-serving Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 6-4, 6-7 (7), 6-3.


Zverev dumped out of Shanghai Masters by France’s Rinderknech

Zverev dumped out of Shanghai Masters by France’s Rinderknech
Updated 06 October 2025

Zverev dumped out of Shanghai Masters by France’s Rinderknech

Zverev dumped out of Shanghai Masters by France’s Rinderknech
  • The German had injured his big toe toward the end of his last match in Shanghai but on Monday seemed to show no sign of discomfort as he broke Rinderknech in the third game with a forehand

SHANGHAI: World No. 3 Alexander Zverev was knocked out of the Shanghai Masters by France’s Arthur Rinderknech 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 on Monday, leaving Novak Djokovic as the tournament’s top-ranked player.

In stifling conditions, the 54th-ranked Frenchman came back from a set down to stun an increasingly rattled Zverev into submission.

The German had injured his big toe toward the end of his last match in Shanghai but on Monday seemed to show no sign of discomfort as he broke Rinderknech in the third game with a forehand.

He nearly went ahead early in the second set, but Rinderknech recovered his cool, piling on the pressure in the fourth game to eventually break.

“I’m not very sure (how I managed to turn the game around),” he said.

“I fought like hell, tried everything. (Zverev) is such a good player ... I knew it was going to be a battle.

“Starting in the second set ... I was able to be offensive at the right moment, in a smarter way,” he said.

Keeping up the momentum, in the third set the 30-year-old broke in the third game.

Zverev had to pause to change his shoes because sweat was pouring out of them, as spectators wafted fans and wore cool packs on their foreheads to counter the suffocating humidity.

But switching footwear was not enough to save the German, and a double fault in the seventh game led to Rinderknech breaking again.

Holding with an ace to win, the Frenchman lolled his body in delighted disbelief, then danced around the court in glee.

Zverev’s exit means world No. 5 Djokovic, who is aiming for a record-extending fifth title in the Chinese financial hub, now leads rankings-wise as the tournament heads into the last 16.

On Sunday the competition lost both defending champion Jannik Sinner, who was forced to retire with extreme leg cramps, and 4th-ranked Taylor Fritz.

World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz withdrew at the last minute to rest.

Alex de Minaur is the next highest seed after Djokovic was through to the fourth round, comfortably getting past Poland’s Kamil Majchrzak 6-1, 7-5.

“I came into this week knowing how tough the conditions were going to be,” the world number seven said.

“So the mindset ultimately is surviving, finding ways, and getting ready for battles every time you step out on the court.”

The Australian will next meet Portugal’s Nuno Borges, who put an end to the hopes of home favorite Shang Juncheng 7-6 (7/5), 4-6, 6-3.