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
Daniil Medvedev and Ugo Humbert, Rotterdam 2026 | © Imago / PsNewz
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.
“In fact, w”We have two styles of play that are somewhat opposite”, Humbert said after the match to L’Equipe. “I know that against him, I won’t be able to finish the points in two shots, like I enjoy doing. I have to be solid in the rallies. I won’t say I’ll be completely outmatched, but I’m going to have to work hard. This time, I didn’t try to power through, but rather to find the angles to push him off the court. And I succeeded in doing that. In the first set, there was a lot of tactical searching, for him as well as for me, and I think it was an enjoyable match to watch.”
Humbert will ow face either Dutchman Guy Den Ouden or Hungarian Marton Fucsovics.
Rotterdam round of 32 results
Alex de Minaur [1] – Arthur Fils 7-6(3), 6-2
Aleksandar Vukic – Stan Wawrinka WC
Botic van de Zandschulp – Luka Pavlovic [Q] 7-6(5), 6-3
Stefanos Tsitsipas – Arthur Rinderknech [8] (Scheduled for Feb 11)
Ugo Humbert – Daniil Medvedev [4] 7-6(4), 3-6, 6-3
Guy Den Ouden [WC] – Marton Fucsovics (Scheduled for Feb 11)
Christopher O’Connell [Q] – Valentin Royer 6-4, 4-6, 7-6(4)
Cameron Norrie [6] – Roberto Bautista Agut 7-6(3), 6-1
Karen Khachanov [5] – Jesper de Jong [WC]
Jaume Munar – Nicolai Budkov Kjaer [WC] 6-1, 6-3
Jan-Lennard Struff – Hugo Grenier [Q] 6-0, 6-4
Hubert Hurkacz – Alexander Bublik [3]
Tallon Griekspoor [7] – Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 6-4, 6-4
Quentin Halys – Mees Rottgering [Q] 3-6, 6-1, 6-1
Zizou Bergs – Hamad Medjedovic (LL)
Alexei Popyrin – Felix Auger-Aliassime [2]
