Humbert doesn't have any illusions: "Roland-Garros won't be a major goal"

Suffering from a fracture of the fifth metacarpal in early April, Ugo Humbert is still competing on the tour. Facing Corentin Moutet in the second round of the Rome Masters 1000 on Friday, the Frenchman chose to retire while trailing 6-3, 4-0.

Indeed, this was the first match he played without a splint on his right hand. A choice that didn’t pay off and may force him to take a break before Roland-Garros, as he told *L’Équipe*:

"It’s very complicated; I’m in more pain than with the splint. On the backhand, I feel like I’m struggling, everything is deteriorating a bit, and I’d rather not push it.

Right now, it’s too difficult to play high-level matches when I’m not at 100%. I’ll discuss it with my team, and it’s a decision we’ll make together (about participating in another tournament before Roland-Garros).

I know Roland-Garros is in three weeks. Every week, there’s been progress since I started playing with the splint in Monte-Carlo. I’m getting better and better at hitting the ball. The goal is to keep improving and be as ready as possible for Roland-Garros, even if it won’t be a major goal. I hope to be in good shape for the grass season."