In a stunning turn of events at the 118th edition of the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters, both Ugo Humbert and Corentin Moutet were eliminated in their opening matches, leaving fans and analysts alike pondering the future of French tennis on the clay courts of Monaco.
The day kicked off with Ugo Humbert, the number two French player and last year's quarter-finalist, facing off against Alexei Popyrin, the 27th ranked Australian. Despite a promising start, Humbert succumbed to Popyrin in a tightly contested match that lasted 2 hours and 50 minutes, with scores of 3-6, 7-6, 6-4. This defeat is particularly concerning for Humbert, who is currently battling a broken little finger, an injury he sustained just days prior to the tournament when he fell onto his nightstand.
Humbert's performance was a rollercoaster ride. He began the match with confidence, breaking Popyrin early and taking the first set in just 40 minutes. However, the tide turned in the second set. After a fierce battle, Humbert faltered in the tie-break, losing 7-2, which set the stage for a dramatic final set. "I did my best, but I found myself in situations on my backhand where I couldn't do anything," Humbert reflected post-match, clearly frustrated but determined to keep fighting despite his injury.
As the match progressed, Humbert's pain became evident, yet he remained resilient, pushing through the discomfort. "At the end, I was in agony. Every shot felt like a shock. I wanted to win so badly. I fought for it," he stated. Humbert has been cleared by his doctor to compete but will need to wear a splint for three to four weeks moving forward, raising questions about his ability to maintain form throughout the clay season.
Meanwhile, Corentin Moutet faced a similarly disappointing fate against Argentina's Tomas Martin Etcheverry. Moutet, ranked 51st in the world, initially took control of the match, winning the first set 6-4. However, he quickly lost momentum, dropping the next two sets 1-6, 4-6. Moutet's frustration peaked when he smashed his racket against his thigh after falling behind in the final set, a visible sign of his mounting pressure. "I had a good start but couldn't maintain it. It's tough to lose like this," Moutet lamented after his defeat.
On the other side of the court, the tournament saw the upset of the day as Alexander Zverev, the world number two and top seed due to Jannik Sinner's suspension, was eliminated by Matteo Berrettini, ranked 34th. Zverev's match ended with a score of 2-6, 6-3, 7-5, after a thrilling encounter that featured a remarkable 48-shot rally. Zverev had hoped to kickstart his clay season after a lackluster performance at the Australian Open but instead found himself grappling with inconsistency once again.
In contrast, young French talent Arthur Fils managed to turn the tide for France, defeating Tallon Griekspoor in a comeback victory. After losing the first set 6-7, Fils rallied to win the next two sets 6-4, 6-2, showcasing his potential and resilience. At just 20 years old, Fils is making waves on the ATP tour and will next face Flavio Cobolli, the 36th player in the world, in the round of 16.
Fils’ performance stands out amid the disappointment surrounding Humbert and Moutet. "I was a bit all over the place on my first set points, but I managed to regroup and focus on my game in the next two sets," he said, highlighting his determination to improve with every match. His ability to bounce back after a tough start indicates a promising future for the young Frenchman.
The Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters continues to be a platform for both established stars and emerging talents. As Humbert and Moutet reflect on their early exits, Fils’ victory offers a glimmer of hope for French tennis enthusiasts. The tournament is far from over, and with more matches yet to unfold, fans are eager to see how the remaining French players perform.
As the clay season progresses, the stakes will only rise. Humbert and Moutet will need to reassess their strategies and recover from their respective disappointments if they hope to make an impact in the upcoming tournaments. Meanwhile, Fils’ journey serves as a reminder that in tennis, resilience and determination can lead to unexpected triumphs.
With the competition heating up in Monte-Carlo, all eyes will be on the court as players vie for glory, and the narrative of this year’s Masters continues to unfold.
