By Scoop Malinowski
Status: ATP No. 20. Winner of four career ATP singles titles (4-0 in finals). Top ranked French player right now.
First Tennis Memory: When I started to play at five with my older sister Lea. And when I watch the TV.
Ht: 6-2 Wt: 162
DOB: June 26, 1998 In: Metz, France
Tennis Hero: It was Federer.
Tennis Inspiration: Federer.
First Famous Player You Met Or Encountered: I’m from Metz. I was there for the matches of Moselle Open. So that’s where I saw the first matches. I saw a lot of French players like Paul-Henri Mathieu, Arnaud Clement, Grosjean, and one year there was Safin and Youzhny.
Greatest Career Moment: I think my title in Metz (2023) It was my dream when I was young to win this tournament. It’s just amazing. I have a lot of feelings now, I can’t describe it. It’s so incredible to win here in my hometown in front of my family. To finish strong like this, it’s just an amazing feeling.
Most Painful Moment: When I was injured, I was at the French Federation at 12, in camp where I was training. And I was injured two years, my back, my elbow. Because I grow up and became injured two years. So it took me tough, physical training when I could.
Favorite Tournaments: I think Wimbledon. I really like it.
Three Athletes You Like To Watch & Follow: I like to see my favorite team FC Metz, where I’m from. And I like to follow everyone. I don’t have a special one.
Why Do You Love Tennis: Because of the game. I really like to play tennis. Because of the game.
Which Match Did You Feel At Your Best: I don’t know…I enjoyed very much my match against Gael Monfils in Wimbledon last year. It was my first one two sets down and I won in the fifth. Maybe it was the greatest.
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Pistachio.
Strangest Match: I wasn’t on the court. I saw one time a match, the final. It was at Moselle Open (in 2006). I was young. The single final was Djokovic against Melzer. Djokovic won the final. And after it was Gasquet and Santoro against Melzer and I don’t remember (Julian Knowle). And it was in the match tiebreak. And it was 9-2 for Melzer (and Knowle). And the French won 11-9 [laughs]. [36 61 11-9]
Closest Tennis Friends: I’m good friends with the French like Gael Monfils. And Marius Copil.
Funniest Players Encountered: Tiafoe. He’s always smiling. And it’s a good guy for tennis. He’s always funny. You don’t know what’s going to happen. I really like this guy.
Funny Tennis Memory: In Auckland (2020). There is people on the side of the court with a cup of champagne. I hit a serve, the slice, and it took the glass (broke the glass of champagne) [smiles]. (Do you remember against who?) It was against Benoit Paire.
Last Book Read: Was Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist.
People Qualities Most Admired: Honesty. Work ethic. And fighter.
You can read more Biofiles like this at www,mrbiofile.com
France · Lecoqsportif · Ugo Humbert · Wilson tennis
JohnnyTD · June 15, 2020 at 3:33 pm
I watched his 2019 Marseille match vs Coric, he hits clean and big, easy power, great angles, i kept talking about him for days after that match, later that year he went into a slump, hope next year he’ll come back strong.
Scoop Malinowski · June 15, 2020 at 8:00 pm
JohnnyTD, Humbert has something special, I can see him being top ten. Good head, strong, technically sound, fighter. Watch out for Ugo.
Jon King · June 16, 2020 at 9:18 am
Saw him in Delray, quite a player. He did fall apart vs Nishioka after a rain delay losing 6-0 in the third. Got to keep advancing in the mental part of the game too to get into the top 10 though.
Andrew Miller · June 16, 2020 at 1:02 pm
“Because of the game” – Scoop, golden. Because of the game.
Not back yet. Hope you, your families, friends are safe out there. Thankful it’s summer.