In a stunning turn of events at the Paris Masters, local favorite Ugo Humbert defeated Spain's world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz with a score of 6-1, 3-6, 7-5 on Thursday.
The Frenchman, ranked 18th globally, dominated the first set, wrapping it up in just 26 minutes as Alcaraz struggled to find his rhythm. However, Alcaraz refused to go quietly, taking a 5-2 lead in the second set before closing it out with a hold to love.
Buoyed by the roaring home crowd, Humbert rallied in the third set to overpower Alcaraz, marking the first time a Frenchman has defeated a top-five player at the Paris tournament since 2019, when Jeremy Chardy defeated Daniil Medvedev in the second round.
In other notable matches, third-seeded Alexander Zverev of Germany overcame 20th-ranked Arthur Fils 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 after recovering from a shaky second set. Australian Alex de Minaur made a remarkable comeback to beat Britain's Jack Draper 5-7, 6-2, 6-3, while his compatriot Jordan Thompson advanced to the last eight with a 7-5, 7-6(5) victory over Frenchman Adrian Mannarino.
However, Australia’s Alexei Popyrin was ousted by Russia’s Karen Khachanov with a score of 7-6(5), 6-4. Danish 13th seed Holger Rune faced challenges against French lucky loser Arthur Cazaux but ultimately secured his spot in the next round by winning 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.
Reference(s):
Home favorite Humbert upsets No. 2 seed Alcaraz at Paris Masters
cgtn.com
