November 22, 2024
Alexander Zverev set up a title match clash with home favourite Ugo Humbert after he reached his first hard-court final of the season on Saturday at the Rolex Paris Masters.
The 27-year-old German recovered from failing to serve out the match at 5-4 in the second set, resisting a late fightback from Holger Rune to eventually earn a 6-3, 7-6(4) victory after one hour and 47 minutes against the Dane.
With his 65th win of the season, Zverev drew level with Jannik Sinner for the most victories on Tour in 2024, while he has climbed one spot to No. 2 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings, passing Carlos Alcaraz.
“I feel like I made it a little difficult for myself but he is a champion. It is probably his favourite tournament and favourite court, but I am happy to be in my second final here,” Zverev said. “I am looking forward to it.”
Zverev, who is a former finalist in Paris is chasing his seventh ATP Masters 1000 crown and first hard-court trophy above ATP 250 level since he won the Nitto ATP Finals in 2021.
Zverev will compete at the prestigious year-end event in Turin, to be held from 10-17 November, will meet French star Ugo Humbert in the Paris final on Sunday.
The French star moved past Karen Khachanov 6-7(6), 6-4, 6-3 on home soil at the Rolex Paris Masters on Saturday to advance to his maiden final at Masters 1000 level.
“It is amazing to do it in Paris at my favourite tournament. It is a dream,” Humbert said. “It was a little bit difficult compared to the previous matches. I felt a little more pressure and after the loss of the first set I tried to enjoy the moment and be with the crowd. I did very well and I am super proud.”
Humbert is the first Frenchman to reach the final in Paris since Jo-Wilfried Tsonga lost to Roger Federer in the 2011 title match. The last Frenchman to win the crown was Tsonga in 2008.
Humbert will aim to take his standout 6-1 record in finals into Sunday’s meeting with Zverev.
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