Ugo Humbert personally apologized to Karen Khachanov on social media after the Frenchman was accused of lacking class after their heated semifinal match at the Rolex Paris Masters.
After an incredible run that included a three-set upset over Roland Garros and Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz, Humbert advanced to his first ATP Masters 1000 final on home soil last week, losing to No. 3 seed Alexander Zverev.
After winning the Almaty Open title and making it to the Vienna final, Khachanov had been on a scorching run of his own, but the home favourite persevered through a fiercely contested semifinal.
Even when Khachanov was given a medical time-out for a leg injury in the third set, Humbert continued to roar and pump his fists as the enthusiastic French audience cheered him on.
However, Humbert claims he was unaware of the Russian’s injury during the game. In a long Instagram Story post on Tuesday, Humbert said he thought his opponent was just having cramps and becoming less fit as their intense battle came to a close.
Humbert wrote in his Instagram story: “I wanted to say a few words following the controversy after my semi-final against Karen. After the physio’s intervention, I thought it was a cramp, as I was almost cramping myself after two and a half hours of intense play. I’ve lost other matches this year in similar circumstances, and this time I remained very focused on the goal. I’m sorry to see that this has been misunderstood and, even worse, described as a lack of fair play.”
He wrote further: “I had contacted him personally to apologize. I have great respect for Karen and for all the opponents I’ve had to meet so far. This will serve as a lesson for me to act better in the future. Thank you to everyone who has supported me this week. From every point of view, this tournament taught me a lot. I’d also like to say a few words about my disappointment in not being able to defend my title in Metz, where I’ll be spending some time this week.”
“I’m sorry to see that this has been misunderstood and even worse, described as a lack of fair play.”
Ugo Humbert issues an apology to Karen Khachanov after drama in Paris ⤵️ https://t.co/CPG60MiHgg
— TENNIS (@Tennis) November 6, 2024
Ugo Humbert in 2024
Now ranked no.14, Humbert played his last encounter on the 3rd of November when he was overcome by world no.2 Alexander Zverev 6-2 6-2 in the final in Paris (draw).
Currently, during this year the French player has achieved an overall 39-24 record. Ugo has won 2 titles in 2024 in Marseille and Dubai. The French player reached the final in Tokyo and Paris.
Karen Khachanov in 2024
Now ranked no.19, Khachanov played his last match on the 2nd of November when he surrendered to world no.14 Ugo Humbert 6-7(6) 6-4 6-3 in the semifinal in Paris (draw).
At the moment, during this season the Russian achieved a compiled 37-22 match record. Khachanov has won 2 titles in 2024 in Doha and Almaty. Karen was the finalist in Vienna.
Ugo Humbert and Karen Khachanov played each other just on 2 occasions. Their actual head to head record is 1-1. Previously, the last time they locked horns, Ugo Humbert won 6-7(6) 6-4 6-3 in the semifinal in Paris (Rolex Paris Masters) on the 2nd of November 2024.
You can see them in action in the following highlights.
Ugo Humbert and Karen Khachanov |
| Embed from Getty Images |
Ugo Humbert in 2024
Ranked no.14, Ugo played his last contest on the 3rd of November when he lost to world no.2 Alexander Zverev 6-2 6-2 in the final in Paris (draw).
During this season Humbert achieved a 39-24 match record. Ugo clinched 2 titles in 2024 in Marseille and Dubai. The French player reached the final in Tokyo and Paris.
Karen Khachanov in 2024
At the moment ranked no.19, Khachanov played his last match on the 2nd of November when he was overcome by world no.14 Ugo Humbert 6-7(6) 6-4 6-3 in the semifinal in Paris (draw).
At the moment, during this season Khachanov has a compiled 37-22 match record. Khachanov conquered 2 titles in 2024 in Doha and Almaty. The Russian reached the final in Vienna.
Ugo Humbert and Karen Khachanov clashed against each other just twice. The head to head is 1-1. Before, the last time they played each other, Ugo Humbert won 6-7(6) 6-4 6-3 in the semifinal in Paris (Rolex Paris Masters) on the 2nd of November 2024.
In the video below you can watch the highlights.
Ugo Humbert and Karen Khachanov |
| Embed from Getty Images |
