Humbert beats one legend as another awaits

Ugo Humbert polished off a 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 revenge win over stylish showman Gael Monfils on Tuesday at the ATP Dubai event and moved into a second showdown with another tennis icon.

The French youngster – currently national No. 1 and one of five compatriots who began the first round here – will follow up his defeat of an opponent feeling somewhat under the weather by facing Andy Murray in the second round.

Humbert’s defeat of wild card Monfils, 37, in just under two and a quarter hours meant quick revenge after losing to the veteran just five days ago in a Doha quarter-final.

“I know Gael was feeling a bit unwell but it’s never easy to play him; he was one of my idols growing up,” he said.

Murray will be trying to follow up on only his second match win of the season which came on Monday with his comeback win over Denis Shapovalov.

“I’ve never beaten Andy – losses in 2019 and 2021 indoors. It will be a great match,” the fifth seed said.

“He’s a legend of our sport. I’ll have to play at 100 per cent.”

Monfils reached Dubai back-to-back semi-finals in 2019 and 2020. His first appearance here in 2008 was followed by a nine-year absence.

Humbert improved to 8-2 versus fellow Frenchmen at the Tour level since the start of last season.