Obsessed with reaching the level of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev works hard to destroy Ugo Humbert in the final of the Paris Masters 1,000, win his second title of the year and surpass the Murcian as number two in the world. It’s still not enough. He assures that, despite what the new ranking dictates, he is still behind the duo that has dominated the four Grand Slams of the year. And it promises more battle, both in the Masters Cup and in the entire 2025 season.
There is no option for the local hero, taken off the court by his rival’s powerful serve, which does not grant him a single break option. So there is nothing to do. The Frenchman is satisfied with having reached this final, the first for him in a tournament of this category. And having won, as an added prize, the victory over Alcaraz in the round of 16. That nourishes almost as much as a title. Humbert has completed his best year on the circuit, with four finals and two titles (Dubai and Marseille) and at 26 years old he is already prowling the world’s top 10.
But the applause must go to Zverev, impeccable throughout the week in Paris, where before beating Humbert he left Tallon Griekspoor, Arthur Fills (the only one capable of taking a set from him), Stefanos Tsitsipas and Holger Rune by the wayside.
In the final he is impeccable with the serve, where he only allows Humbert to score five points. From there, everything is a breeze. In the first set he got back on track quickly, with two breaks in the third and fifth games. Even faster is the second one, which begins with two new definitive breaks. There is little history in the match beyond that. In just an hour and a quarter it is resolved.
«I knew I had to play like that today to win. Ugo is an incredible player, but here in Paris, he plays even better than usual and he knew it. Once the public gets into the game, it becomes difficult. So I had to avoid it from early on, I did it and I’m very happy about it,” said Zverev, who added his 64th victory of the year, more than any other player.
Zverev raises a cup again after doing so in Rome, during the clay season. He has already completely forgotten the physical problems derived from the torn ligaments he suffered at Roland Garros 2022. After that it was unknown if he would fight again to be the best in the world. The numbers indicate yes. He still thinks not. Two titans prevent him.
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