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Humbert’s Emotional Adrenaline Producing Big Results
9 Comments · Posted by Scoop Malinowski in Articles
Ugo Humbert is channeling his inner young Lleyton Hewitt, using emotional adrenaline, fire, passion, and fierce hunger to elevate himself from the second tier to the top elite echelon of the ATP.
Humbert is roaring, fist pumping, chest thumping, making animated gestures, and lighting up the Paris Indoors crowds to help give him extra energy. And it’s all working. The 18th best player in the world Humbert is in the final of Paris Masters and perhaps on his way to the top 5 and beyond.
Humbert’s theatrics and fine play annoyed his latest conquest, Karen Khachanov, yesterday’s coqnuest in the semi. After losing 76 36 46, Khachanov had some choice words for Humbert at the net handshake: “I told him at the net to show more respect. He has no idea how to behave. I’m always about fair play. I will congratulate him if he behaves like a normal person. That’s all I can say. You can be with the crowd. I have no problem with that. Did you see me celebrate yesterday? Grigor was exhausted. He wasn’t injured at the end, he told me. Did you see me jumping and screaming ‘Come on! Allez!’ After every point.. do you think it’s okay? You can celebrate after with the crowd no problem. You can do whatever you want. But while you see injuries are part of the game… to do it while you see the guy is on the ground? Okay, see you next time.”
Humbert does not want to be a “normal” player anymore, he wants to be an elite champion, winning 1000s and Grand Slam titles. In order to do that, he needs to change his approach and use emotional adrenaline, like the young Hewitt did in blazing his trail to ATP no. 1 and two Grand Slam titles.
Humbert of course, does not want to be another Gasquet, Monfils, Simon, etc. – French players who had very good careers but all fell short of winning major titles and reaching the top of the rankings. Humbert is changing it up now and using emotional adrenaline and fire and passion and burning desire, hunger to be the best he can be. Khachanov is being a crybaby to complain about Humbert’s methods. The 26 year old has won 13 indoor matches in a row.
Humbert didn’t pay much attention to Khachanov’s whining. “It is amazing to do it in Paris at my favorite tournament. It is a dream,” Humbert said. “It was a little bit difficult compared to the previous matches. I felt a little more pressure and after the loss of the first set I tried to enjoy the moment and be with the crowd. I did very well and I am super proud.”
If he can beat Alexander Zverev in the final today, Humbert will rise to 11 in the rankings.
It’s a joy to see this stunning lefthander suddenly put all the pieces together and perform like a new ATP superstar, with a dynamic personality on court and an electric game. Humbert is what tennis needs more of, to offset the boring styles of Sinner, Khachanov, Ruud, Fritz, etc.
Lacoste · Paris Indoors · Ugo Humbert · Wilson tennis
Scoop Malinowski · November 3, 2024 at 2:41 pm
Zverev was too good today for Ugo 6262, looked like Ugo was outplayed or maybe he ran out of gas after a very dramatic, grueling, grinding week of some of his finest tennis. Zverev has to rank up there high in the best players to never win a grand slam title. Watching some WTA finals and it’s a quiet event Iga took care of Barbora and Coco rolled over Pegula. In the doubles the Italians beat Krawzciek and Dolehide and the American never faced each other before points, going over tactics they both faced the opponents while covering their mouths to offset lip readers. You would think a whisper would be sufficient but it seems players fear lip readers to give signals to opponents. It’s a cutthroat sport I guess. Or just an unnecessary habit to cover all bases.
Steve · November 4, 2024 at 7:41 am
Loved the super fast surface at Paris this year. Would love if they brought back an indoor carpet event and bring back blue clay while they’re at it.
Scoop Malinowski · November 4, 2024 at 4:38 pm
No more Federer Nadal to manipulate court speeds for their favor. Good for the game.
Steve · November 4, 2024 at 6:12 pm
Gasquet had an amazing tie break finish against Monteiro at Moselle. Just watched the highlights.
Scoop Malinowski · November 4, 2024 at 8:17 pm
He’s very very inspired. he will create one last hurrah of magic no doubt.
Steve · November 5, 2024 at 7:16 pm
Do you know the American player Toby Alex Kodat?
He’s got a pretty sweet one hander and a strong all around game. He was edged out by Tomic in Knoxville today but had Berny scrambling into the corners.
Scoop Malinowski · November 6, 2024 at 4:49 am
I did a biofile w Toby at Sarasota open this year. I’ve seen him since juniors, he trains sometimes on public courts in Bradenton, beautiful backhand. up and down results but overdue for a breakout.
Steve · November 6, 2024 at 7:47 am
Found it. Thanks.
Scoop Malinowski · November 6, 2024 at 4:43 pm
Kodat might have the most Federer esque technique on the backhand than anyone including Dimitrov.