Humbert achieves unique stat to secure most prestigious career title
Ugo Humbert broke a unique tournament ‘curse’ by defeating Andrey Rublev to claim the title in Halle.
The Frenchman looked the underdog heading into the championship match given his opponent’s stellar form at ATP 500 level, but Humbert came out swinging to claim the match in straight sets, 6-3, 7-6 (7-4).
It was a change from the rest of the week, as Humbert came through four three-set matches en route to the final in Germany, while Rublev was pushed to a decider in only his semi-final previously.
In claiming the title, Humbert becomes the first man since Gilles Simon at Indianapolis in 2008 to win a tournament coming through four consecutive three-set matches before the final.
Since Simon achieved that feat, every player to go on such a run was 0-12 in finals, with fellow Frenchman Humbert breaking the ‘curse’.
Both men were dominant behind their first serves, each winning 85% of points, while Humbert had the edge on first serve percentage with 73% to Rublev’s 59%.
The 22-year-old Frenchman had two previous career titles in Auckland and Antwerp, both ATP 250 events and both in 2020. Halle 2021 is his first ATP 500 title.
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