To win in Paris means the world to me – Alexander Zverev after beating Ugo Humbert

Alexander Zverev was delighted after beating home favorite Ugo Humbert to lift the Paris Masters title. The German defeated the Frenchman comprehensively by 6-2, 6-2 on Sunday to claim his seventh ATP Masters 1000 title.

Zverev was ruthless from the get-go and said he had to bring his absolute best to topple a player like Ugo Humbert, who was playing in front of his home crowd. Zverev was able to tick all the right boxes and got the job done against the youngster.

Meanwhile, Zverev had suffered a horrific ankle injury in the 2022 Roland Garros semifinals against Rafael Nadal and said winning in Paris meant the world to him after he suffered a horrible injury in the same city.

“I knew I had to play like this to win today,” said Zverev, who improved to 23-13 in tour-level finals. “Ugo is an incredible player, but here in Paris, he plays even better than he usually does and I knew that. Once the crowd gets involved, it’s going to be difficult. So, I had to take that away early, and I did, so I’m happy about that.

“It was not 100 per cent guaranteed that I would be back at this level after Roland Garros two years ago, when I basically broke everything possible in my ankle. So, to win this title here in Paris means the world to me, and I’m sure it means everything to those in my box, because they have done so much for me.”

On the other hand, Humbert was playing his maiden ATP 1000 final but could not bring his best in the summit clash. The 26-year-old was delighted that he was able to make it to the final.

“I’m extremely happy to have played in this final,” said Humbert, who is up to No. 14 in the PIF ATP Rankings with his run to the final. “To have my family and team with me the whole week has been incredible. It’s for moments like this why I do this every day, why I train.”

Zverev will now be seen in action in the Nitto ATP Finals, which will kick off from November 10.