Ugo Humbert capped a dramatic week Sunday, when he captured the title at ATP Challenger Tour 175 event in Cagliari, Italy.
The Frenchman downed fourth seed Laslo Djere 4-6, 7-5, 6-4 in the final to lift the trophy at the Sardegna Open. Humbert fended off 12 of 16 break points in an entertaining three-hour, eight-minute battle.
A three-time tour-level titlist, World No. 77 Humbert saved three match points against Taro Daniel in a four-hour, 13-minute quarter-final marathon on Friday to keep his title hopes alive.
Hear from the Cagliari champ himself 👇#ATPChallenger | @HumbertUgo pic.twitter.com/2QMOaTnUa7
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) May 7, 2023
Humbert’s first clay-court title came as a welcomed surprise to the Metz-native.
“I will never forget this trophy because I hate clay normally, never won more than two matches in a row on clay,” Humbert said in his post-match press conference. “It feels unbelievable to have the trophy today… I don’t know what to think, I’m just super happy.
“Laslo is a hell of player, because he always puts one more ball in the court. After about two hours, it became more physically and [mentally tough]. I stayed very strong.”
Djere will rue the two break chances he missed at 4-4 in the second set, which would have given the Serbian an opportunity to serve for the championship had he converted one of them. World No. 70 Djere also held an early break lead in the decider before sixth seed Humbert stormed back to win the Italian title.
“It gives me a lot of confidence two weeks before Roland Garros to play matches more than three, four hours,” Humbert said. “For sure I will be ready for Roland Garros.”
Humbert, who reached a career-high No. 25 in 2021, has won 10 of his past 11 finals across all levels. His triumph in Sardinia added to France’s early lead for most Challenger titles this season (9).
In Cagliari doubles action, Austrians Alexander Erler and Lucas Miedler defeated top seeds Maximo Gonzalez and Andres Molteni 7-6(6), 6-3 to win the Challenger 175 title.
The last ones standing in Cagliari ☝️🏆#ATPChallenger pic.twitter.com/ScdZXUPKDW
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) May 7, 2023