Tennis

Ugo Humbert, the 26-year-old French left-hander, has made history by becoming the first Frenchman to reach the singles final of the ATP Masters 1000 event in Paris since Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in 2008. Humbert's remarkable journey to the final has been marked by stunning victories over world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz and unseeded Aussie Jordan Thompson.In the semifinals, Humbert faced a stern test against former champion Karen Khachanov. Despite losing the first set in a tiebreaker, Humbert rallied back with the support of the partisan Accor Arena crowd. Khachanov, who had won the Paris Masters title in 2018, took a medical timeout for a leg injury in the final set, which hampered his movement and allowed Humbert to seize control of the match.Humbert's success in Paris is a testament to his hard work and determination. He has previously won six ATP titles, including the 250 event in Metz and the 500-level event in Dubai earlier this year. However, reaching the final of a 1000-level event is a significant milestone in his career.In Sunday's final, Humbert will face No. 3 seed Alexander Zverev. Humbert has a 6-1 record in ATP finals and has won his last 13 matches indoors in France. However, Zverev is a formidable opponent, having won the Paris Masters title in 2021.Regardless of the outcome of the final, Humbert has already made his mark on the tournament. His victory over Khachanov has inspired French tennis fans and has shown that he is capable of competing with the best players in the world.

Karen Khachanov's recent surge on the ATP Tour has been nothing short of remarkable. After claiming the title in Almaty, he reached the final in Vienna, defeating the likes of Brandon Nakashima, Matteo Berrettini, and Alex De Minaur.At the Rolex Paris Masters, Khachanov has continued his impressive run, dispatching Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, Alexei Popyrin, and Grigor Dimitrov. His victory over Dimitrov, despite the latter's diminished fitness, was particularly impressive.Khachanov's dominance stems from his exceptional serving and returning abilities. Against Mpetshi Perricard and Popyrin, he won three of four sets without tiebreakers, showcasing his prowess as a returner. These victories bode well for his upcoming clash with Ugo Humbert, another formidable server.Humbert, too, has been in fine form, defeating Carlos Alcaraz and Jordan Thompson in straight sets. The Frenchman's home-court advantage in Bercy has fueled his performance, with the crowd propelling him to new heights.However, Khachanov's recent defensive brilliance and his ability to exploit Humbert's backhand with his down-the-line backhand give him an edge. While Humbert's aggressive style has yielded success, it also carries the risk of unforced errors.Despite Humbert's current level, Khachanov's +120 odds suggest a 55% chance of victory for the Frenchman. This assessment undervalues Khachanov's chances, which are significantly higher than a coin flip.

Holger Rune, the 2022 Rolex Paris Masters champion, has reignited his form in the French capital, cruising past Alexander Bublik in straight sets (6-4, 6-2) in the first round.Rune, seeded 13th, has fond memories of Paris, having stunned the tennis world two years ago by defeating five Top 10 players, including Novak Djokovic, to claim the title. Despite injuries and inconsistency since then, the 21-year-old Dane is eager to replicate his success."I always enjoy playing in Paris," Rune said. "I have good memories, so I'm very blessed to be back."Rune's victory over Bublik was a testament to his growing maturity and focus. The match began evenly, but Rune seized control in the ninth game of the first set, breaking Bublik's serve after six deuces. He maintained his momentum in the second set, breaking Bublik twice to secure the victory in just 70 minutes.Rune's resurgence comes after a challenging season that saw him fall out of the Top 10 and part ways with coaches Boris Becker and Patrick Mouratoglou. However, he has reunited with former coach Lars Christensen and has shown signs of improvement in recent months."It's been a decent season," Rune said. "It's not been the best one, but I can finish it calling it a good one if I do well here in Paris."Rune's next opponent will be either lucky loser Arthur Cazaux or Basel finalist Ben Shelton. Rune has a 1-0 record against Shelton but lost to Cazaux earlier this year at the Australian Open.

Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, the rising French tennis star, extended his remarkable indoor winning streak at the Rolex Paris Masters on Tuesday, overcoming a spirited challenge from Frances Tiafoe in a thrilling three-set battle.The 6' 8" Frenchman, fresh off his triumph at the ATP 500 event in Basel, faced a stern test from the world No. 17 Tiafoe. Despite being pushed to the brink in the second set, Mpetshi Perricard displayed resilience and determination to secure a hard-fought 6-7 (5), 7-6 (4), 6-3 victory.The match was a testament to Mpetshi Perricard's growing stature in the tennis world. The 21-year-old has now compiled an impressive 5-1 record against Top 20 players this year, including victories over Felix Auger-Aliassime, Holger Rune, and Taylor Fritz. His only loss came against world No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz in Beijing.Adding to his impressive record, Mpetshi Perricard has also embarked on an extraordinary serving streak. He has held his last 80 service games in a row, a remarkable feat that began in Antwerp two weeks ago. In Basel last week, he held all 60 of his service games en route to the title.Against Tiafoe, Mpetshi Perricard faced only two break points and saved them both. His unwavering serve proved to be a decisive factor in the match, as he was able to dictate the pace and control the rallies."It means a lot to win in front of the French people. It's unbelievable," said Mpetshi Perricard after the match. "It was an amazing match for me. I did some good things—some bad things sometimes, but yeah it happens! The most important part is I have the win, and now I have to be focused for the next match. I hope to have the same crowd cheering for me."Up next for Mpetshi Perricard is a clash with No. 21-ranked Karen Khachanov. The Frenchman will be aiming to continue his winning streak and make a deep run in his home tournament.

Stefanos Tsitsipas, the Greek tennis sensation, has etched his name in the annals of tennis history by becoming the fifth player born in 1990 or later to achieve 100 Masters 1000 victories. This remarkable milestone was reached after his hard-fought 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 triumph over Roberto Carballes Baena at the Rolex Paris Masters on Monday night.Tsitsipas, born in 1998, has emerged as one of the most promising young talents in the sport. His aggressive baseline play and exceptional court coverage have propelled him to the top of the rankings. With his 100th Masters 1000 win, he joins an elite group of players who have dominated the highest level of tennis.The list of players born in 1990 or later with 100+ Masters 1000 wins includes:* Grigor Dimitrov (142)* Alexander Zverev (139)* Milos Raonic (125)* Daniiil Medvedev (104)* Stefanos Tsitsipas (100)David Goffin, born in 1990, is the closest player to joining this exclusive club, with 89 career wins at Masters 1000 events. Kei Nishikori, born on December 29th, 1989, would have been on the list had he been born three days later, as he has 111 career wins at this tournament level.Tsitsipas's achievement is a testament to his consistency and ability to perform at the highest level. He has reached the semifinals or better at six Masters 1000 events, including two runner-up finishes at the Madrid Open and the Canadian Open.As the Rolex Paris Masters continues, Tsitsipas will be looking to add to his tally of Masters 1000 victories and cement his status as one of the best players in the world. His next opponent will be the American Taylor Fritz, who is also in pursuit of his 100th Masters 1000 win.

Jannik Sinner's victory at the inaugural Six Kings Slam in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, not only earned him a record $6 million purse but also solidified his status as the world's top-ranked tennis player. However, Sinner insists that financial gain was not his primary motivation for participating in the six-man exhibition."I don't play for money," Sinner declared during a pre-tournament media session at the final ATP Masters 1000 event of 2024 in Paris. "It's very simple. Of course, it's a nice prize and everything, but for me, I went there because there were possibly the six best players in the world. And then you can measure yourself with them."Sinner's triumph in Riyadh came after defeating Daniil Medvedev and Novak Djokovic before denying Carlos Alcaraz in the championship match. This hefty payday adds to the over $12 million in prize money he has accumulated on tour this year, including his first two Grand Slam titles at the Australian Open and US Open.Despite his financial success, Sinner maintains that money is not his primary concern. "The money is important, but not that much," he said. "I live a good life also without this money. I think it's much more important the health I have and surrounding myself with great people and the family. And then the money, it's just an extra."Sinner's comments resonated with three-time major winner Stan Wawrinka, who responded with a "tears of joy" emoji on social media.With his impressive results this year, Sinner has already secured the year-end No. 1 ranking. However, his future status remains uncertain as the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has appealed the "no fault or negligence" finding in Sinner's anti-doping case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).In his Paris-Bercy opener, Sinner could face American Ben Shelton, who is set to meet Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the Basel final on Sunday.

The Paris Masters, the final Masters 1000 event of the 2024 season, kicks off this week at the Accor Arena in Bercy. With only four spots remaining for the year-end championship in Turin, the tournament will play a crucial role in determining the eight-man lineup.The field is set, and the players vying for Turin qualification have their assignments. The top four seeds—Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, and Daniil Medvedev—have already secured their spots, while Taylor Fritz is well on his way.The focus will be on the next five seeds—Andrey Rublev, Casper Ruud, Grigor Dimitrov, Alex de Minaur, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Tommy Paul—who are all within striking distance of qualifying. Rublev and Ruud currently hold the seventh and eighth positions, with the others trailing closely behind.As for the top four seeds, Sinner has the toughest road ahead. He could potentially face Ben Shelton, Holger Rune, and Taylor Fritz before reaching the semifinals. Zverev's path may include Lorenzo Musetti, Rublev, or Tsitsipas. Medvedev could encounter Matteo Berrettini, Frances Tiafoe, or Dimitrov in his quarter. Alcaraz has a more manageable draw, with Ugo Humbert and Casper Ruud as potential quarterfinal opponents.Among the dark horses, Karen Khachanov, Jack Draper, Ben Shelton, and Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard will enter with momentum after reaching the finals in Vienna and Basel. Tomas Machac and Ugo Humbert are also potential threats.In terms of early-round matches to watch, Shelton vs. Sinner, Rune vs. Matteo Arnaldi, and Tiafoe vs. Mpetshi Perricard stand out.While the tournament has a history of surprises, the absence of Novak Djokovic, a seven-time champion, may increase the chances of a more predictable outcome. Sinner and Medvedev emerge as the favorites, given their recent form and indoor court prowess.

Grigor Dimitrov, the Bulgarian tennis star, has found his sanctuary in Vienna, where he has consistently participated in the Erste Bank Open for the past seven years. The city's charm, with its pristine air, aromatic coffee, and captivating architecture, provides Dimitrov with the ideal environment to recharge and perform at his best."Vienna is a fantastic city with a rich history," Dimitrov said in an exclusive interview with TENNIS.com. "I enjoy exploring the streets and immersing myself in the local culture. The tournament organizers have been incredibly welcoming and supportive, creating a home-like atmosphere."Dimitrov's quest for a fourth Erste Bank Open title began with a hard-fought victory over Zhang Zhizhen. He will next face Tomas Machac, Zhang's doubles partner in Vienna. After a groin injury hampered his US Open campaign, Dimitrov has gradually regained his form, reaching the semifinals in Stockholm."It's been a challenging year, but I'm grateful for the opportunity to compete at this level," Dimitrov said. "The competition is fierce, and everyone is playing well."Dimitrov emphasizes the importance of self-care in maintaining his physical and mental well-being. He starts his day with breathing exercises, movement, and a cup of coffee. He also values spending time with family and connecting with nature."Finding your own balance is crucial," Dimitrov advised. "And one thing I highly recommend is putting away your phone in the morning. It helps clear your mind and focus on the present."Dimitrov's dedication to self-care has paid dividends. He is currently ranked 10th in the ATP Race to Turin, putting him in contention for a spot at the Nitto ATP Finals. His last appearance at the prestigious event was in 2017, where he claimed the biggest title of his career.As the 2024 season approaches, Dimitrov is poised to make a strong case for ATP Comeback Player of the Year. His consistent performances and unwavering determination have kept him in the hunt for major titles and a return to the pinnacle of the sport.

The International Tennis Federation's (ITF) recent decision to officially implement off-court coaching in Grand Slams and all ATP and WTA events has sparked a heated debate among players. The rule change, effective from 2025, allows coaches to provide brief verbal or hand signal advice to players between points, with longer conversations permitted during breaks in play.The ITF's rationale for the change is to standardize coaching practices across tennis governing bodies and reduce the burden on chair umpires in policing the practice. However, several top ATP players have expressed their disapproval, arguing that it undermines the sport's traditional "one-on-one" nature.Denis Shapovalov, a former world No. 10, lamented the loss of tennis's "beauty" as a solitary sport. Taylor Fritz, a US Open finalist, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of the mental and strategic aspects of the game. John Millman criticized the rule for widening the gap between players with access to coaching teams and those without.On the women's side, former world No. 1 Jennifer Capriati suggested providing players with tablets displaying live match stats instead of coaching access. Proponents of the rule change, however, argue that it brings into the open the covert coaching that was already prevalent. They also point to the potential benefits of providing players with expert advice during crucial moments of a match.Andrey Rublev's victory in the Mutua Madrid Open final is often cited as an example of the effectiveness of off-court coaching. His team's advice helped him anticipate his opponent's serve and ultimately secure the title.Despite the resistance from some players, the ITF maintains that the rule change has been met with overall support from players, coaches, and chair umpires. ITF Senior Executive Director of Integrity Stuart Miller believes it will enhance the sport by improving player development, reducing umpire subjectivity, and making tournaments more engaging.