Alexander Zverev captured his first Paris Masters title on Sunday, overwhelming home favorite Ugo Humbert in a commanding 6-2, 6-2 victory. The triumph marks Zverev's seventh ATP 1000 title and cements his position as the new world number two in the ATP rankings.
The 27-year-old German's Zverev Paris Masters win was spectacular, as he controlled the match from start to finish at the Accor Arena. It turned out to be a one-sided affair, with Zverev dropping just five points on his serve throughout the entire contest, showcasing the devastating form that has made him one of tennis's most formidable players.
French Dreams Dashed as Humbert Falls Short
Humbert's final loss came despite the passionate support of the French crowd, who hadn't seen one of their own reach the Paris Masters final in 13 years. The 26-year-old Frenchman, who had earlier stunned world number one Carlos Alcaraz in the last 16, couldn't replicate that magic against an unstoppable Zverev.
The match began with promise for Humbert, who delivered a sublime forehand passing shot to hold his opening service game. However, Zverev quickly seized control, breaking serve in the third game. And he never looked back. The German's relentless groundstrokes and precision serving proved too much for Humbert, who struggled with 17 unforced errors in the first set alone.
Historic Victory Boosts Turin Prospects
This victory at Paris Masters 2024 is special as it marks the tournament's final edition at the iconic Accor Arena before its relocation to La Défense Arena. Zverev now joins Boris Becker as only the second German to claim the Paris Masters crown, while also achieving several personal milestones.
The win also propelled Zverev past Jannik Sinner for the most victories this season, improving his record to an impressive 66-20. Looking ahead, Zverev will enter the ATP Finals in Turin (November 10-17) as the second seed, where he'll aim to capture his third title at the season-ending championship.
Wrapping Up
For Humbert, despite the disappointment, the tournament represents a significant breakthrough. His run to the final has elevated him to a career-high No. 14 in the ATP rankings, offering promise for future success on the tour.
"I knew I had to play like this to win today," Zverev reflected after the match. He acknowledged both the challenge of facing Humbert and the significance of his comeback journey. "After Roland Garros two years ago, when I basically broke everything possible in my ankle, it wasn't guaranteed I'd be back at this level. Winning this title in Paris means the world to me."
The victory not only adds another prestigious trophy to Zverev's growing collection but also positions him perfectly for a strong finish to the season as the tour heads to Turin for its final showpiece event of the year.