On Saturday, Ugo Humbert defeated Alexander Bublik 6-4, 6-3 to win the Dubai Championships, keeping his ATP Tour finals record intact. The French player, who defeated defending champion Daniil Medvedev in the quarterfinals, advanced to 6-0 in the final. Humbert is the third player in the professional era to win his first six tour-level finals, joining Ernests Gulbis and Martin Klizan.
“I really don’t know, but I have a good statistic,” Humbert remarked of his ability to rise to the occasion during title fights. “I have a really good team around me.” Also read: Andrey Rublev, Daniil Medvedev Advance To Dubai Semifinals
Humbert, who also won the Marseille title three weeks ago, is expected to move up four spots to a career-high No. 14 when the rankings are updated Monday. He will be the first French men’s player to reach the top 15 since Gael Monfils three years ago.
Humbert took control of the final after breaking Bublik to win the first set. He broke again in the second set, taking a 3-1 lead. The left-hander saved the only two break points he encountered.
“Playing against Bublik isn’t easy,” Humbert added. “I stayed calm and concentrated. He had a few chances to break me in the first set, but I knew exactly what to do.” Also read: Katerina Siniakova Net Worth 2024, Annual Income, Endorsements, Cars, Houses, Properties, Charities, Etc.
Humbert saved three match points against Hubert Hurkacz during the quarterfinals. Bublik advanced to the final after Andrey Rublev was forfeited in their quarterfinal on Friday for screaming in front of a line judge.