Ugo Humbert Reflects on 2024 Success Ahead of Australian Open

French tennis star Ugo Humbert, fresh off a career-best 2024 season, is gearing up for his first-round match against Matteo Gigante at the Australian Open. The world No. 14, who won two ATP 500 titles and reached the Rolex Paris Masters final last year, shared his ambitions and reflections during a recent interview at Melbourne Park.

Humbert, 26, described the Rolex Paris Masters as the highlight of his 2024 season. “It was the highlight of my year, especially because it was in France,” he said. “There was even more emotion involved than with other tournaments. It was very intense and included a big win over Carlos Alcaraz – an event that will stay with me forever.”

The Metz native also discussed the challenges of adapting to the Australian summer heat after a rigorous pre-season. “It’s never easy to adapt, firstly because of the jet lag, but also because we have to play in this heat,” Humbert explained. “You train really well for a month and think you’re physically in good shape, but then you arrive in Australia and after just a 90-minute training session, you’re suffering because of the heat.”

Humbert has added Fabrice Martin to his coaching team for 2025, aiming to refine his attacking game and mental approach. “He’ll be a particular help with my state of mind and make sure I maintain the same mindset I had towards the end of last season,” Humbert said. “We’re working a lot on my attacking game with a focus on me getting to the net.”

As one of the top contenders in many tournaments this year, Humbert acknowledged the pressure but expressed confidence in his ability to handle it. “It’s all new to me, but I’d go so far as to say that I now love being among the favorites,” he said. “I know I’m very lucky. I love what I do and am enjoying myself!”

Looking ahead to the clay season, Humbert remains optimistic despite it not being his preferred surface. “I think there has been progress, but I don’t necessarily see it in terms of having a breakthrough or not,” he said. “I expect to get good results and also think I’m taken seriously on clay, which wasn’t the case early in my career!”

Humbert also highlighted the resurgence of French tennis, with a new generation of players making their mark on the ATP Tour. “Now, with [other French players], there’s a whole generation coming through,” he said. “We’re all playing well and elevate each other, and I think that’s extremely positive for French tennis.”

Humbert will face Italy’s Matteo Gigante in the Australian Open first round on Saturday. Gigante, ranked No. 146, last competed in the US Open qualifiers in August 2024, while Humbert enters the match with momentum from his semifinal win at the Rakuten Japan Open Tennis Championships in September 2024.