Ugo Humbert reveals why he doesn’t fear facing Carlos Alcaraz in Spain
French world No 18 Ugo Humbert is well aware that he faces a massive task in his Davis Cup singles assignment in Spain on Friday as he prepares to face Carlos Alcaraz.
However, the French star will not be overawed by facing a player of the calibre of Alcaraz even with a partisan crowd right behind Spain in this Davis Cup clash.
Humbert has enjoyed a solid campaign on the ATP Tour this season claiming a pair of titles in Marseille and Dubai and reaching a career-high ranking of No 13 in April.
The French No 1 only managed to take a set off Alcaraz when they met in the fourth round at Wimbledon this season with that meeting being the only previous clash between the players who are their respective nations’ top singles players.
Humbert was the only Frenchman to taste victory in the opening tie of their Davis Cup finals campaign which France lost 1-2 to Australia.
The Gallic left-hander defeated Alexei Popyrin in straight sets to keep France in that tie but the team would lose the decisive doubles tie which has left them needing to beat Spain to stay alive in the Davis Cup.
Humbert said that he had thanked Alcaraz for turning up for the Davis Cup as it set him up for an incredible experience.
“When I saw him, I said to him: ‘Thanks for coming!’ To that extent? Well yes, of course. Playing Alcaraz in Spain, it’s the kind of match that you remember for the rest of your life,” Humbert told L’Equipe.
“It’s great! He’s a great player, I love watching him play. He always creates play, he has something that he gives off on the pitch that is fabulous,” the world No 18 added.
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Humbert confessed that he had felt a little flat and tired heading into the Davis Cup Finals but credits the team atmosphere with getting him pumped up.
“To tell you the truth, I was tired when I arrived here,” Humbert said.
“Worn out by the sequence. At the time, I didn’t have much energy, and when I’m in that state, I withdrew into myself a bit.
“I am someone who sometimes needs to be alone a bit to regenerate.
“But in the end, I said to myself: ”You get on well with the team, try to take their energy. And you’ll see what happens. After the first match (victory against Alexei Popyrin ) , I felt better and better.
“These two days of training, I found a bit of my madness on the court.
“I trained very well, mega confidant, I try shots, even ”sabre” returns, crazy stuff!
“I feel good, there is a whole atmosphere that makes me feel comfortable. I have renewed energy.”
France face Spain in Davis Cup action on Friday and will conclude the phase with a tie against Czechia on Saturday. Spain conclude their programme with a tie against Australia on Sunday.
Australia top Group B of the Davis Cup finals so far having won ties against France and Czechia
