Humbert humbles Bublick to win sixth title

Ugo Humbert kept a spotless record in Tour finals on Saturday, with the Frenchman defeating Alexander Bublik 6-4, 6-3 to win the ATP Dubai title in his debut appearance.

He will move to 14th in the rankings after winning all six of his ATP finals, including Marseille last month at home.

The fifth seed is the third in the Open Era to sweep his first six, joining 

Ernests Gulbis and Martin Klizan on that honours list

“For sure I played great this week,” Humbert said. “Today was not easy, I have so much respect for Alexander.

“I don;t know why I’m so calm when I play in finals, It’s a good statistic, so thanks to my team.

“it’s been a wonderful week.”

Humbert secured the opening set with a break in the final game as his Kazakh opponent sent a return long.

The Frenchman got away to another break for 3-1 and stretched the margin to 4-1 before Bublik held for 2-4.

Humbert finished off victory three games later, saving a break point as he served for it and triumphing on his second match point after 87 minutes.   

The Frenchman fired 27 winners and kept his unforced errors to 72 while Bublik had 29 miscues.

Finalist Bublik said the week in the desert “means everything for me.”

“I’m happy to be here even though I’ve been reminded how it is to lose another fina.

“Before the final I said I would dedicate a victory to my son – but sorry, maybe next time.”