Humbert upsets volatile Medvedev in Rotterdam opener
Ugo Humbert won against Daniil Medvedev 7-6 (4), 3-6, 6-3 on Monday and will play the winner of the match between Dutchman Guy Den Ouden and Hungarian Marton Fucsovics in the next round
Ugo Humbert, 2026 | © JB Autissier
Ugo Humbert breathed new life into his season on Monday evening at the ABN Amro Open in Rotterdam (ATP 500), producing a gritty 7-6 (4), 3-6, 6-3 victory over the fourth seed Daniil Medvedev. The world No 36 from France displayed remarkable resilience to secure his place in the last 16.
For the 27-year-old Humbert, this victory acts as “fresh air” following a devastating loss to Adrian Mannarino in Montpellier, where he squandered three match points in a deciding set tiebreak.
In contrast, the world No 11 Medvedev’s struggles against left-handers continued; after a promising start to 2026, the Russian has now lost two consecutive matches to southpaws following his shock Australian Open exit at the hands of 20-year-old Learner Tien.
The match was defined by Medvedev’s increasing frustration with the conditions. The Russian was heard shouting about the “unplayable balls” and received an official warning for his outbursts. His temper frequently boiled over as he hit the ground with his racket, kicked the LED walls, and threw balls into the air.
Statistically, the Russian failed to capitalize on his chances, converting only one of eight break points, while Humbert was more efficient, taking one of his five opportunities.
The tension peaked at 4-2 in the final set when Humbert survived a crucial service game after Medvedev missed two break points. Following the final point, a furious Medvedev smashed his racquet on the Rotterdam court, punctuating a difficult evening for the former world No 1 and ex-Rotterdam champion.
Humbert will ow face either Dutchman Guy Den Ouden or Hungarian Marton Fucsovics.
Rotterdam round of 32 results
Alex de Minaur [1] vs Arthur Fils
Stan Wawrinka [WC] vs Aleksandar Vukic
Luka Pavlovic [Q] vs Botic van de Zandschulp
Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Arthur Rinderknech [8]
Humbert – Medvedev [4] : 7-6(4), 3-6, 6-3
Guy den Ouden [WC] vs Marton Fucsovics
Valentin Royer vs Christopher O’Connell [Q]
Norrie [6] – Bautista Agut: 7-6(3), 6-1
Karen Khachanov [5] vs Jesper de Jong
Nicolai Budkov Kjaer [WC] vs Jaume Munar
Hugo Grenier [Q] vs Jan-Lennard Struff
Alexander Bublik [3] vs Hubert Hurkacz
Tallon Griekspoor [7] vs Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard
Quentin Halys vs Mees Rottgering [Q]
Zizou Bergs vs Fabian Marozsan
Alexei Popyrin vs Felix Auger-Aliassime [2]
