Humbert's back to the wall against Sonego at Roland-Garros!
We've known it since the draw. This first-round match against Lorenzo Sonego resembled the trap match par excellence for Hugo Humbert. Ranked 17th in the world, the left-hander is, on paper, France's best chance at Porte d'Auteuil. However, he's already a set away from elimination.
Faced with an opponent who doesn't do well on ochre (already beaten by the same Italian last year, in the second round), the French No. 1 will have to redouble his efforts if he wants to go far in Paris. Indeed, after an average start to the match that cost him the first set (6-4), Humbert looked set to regain the upper hand. However, despite a well-organized second set (4-6, 6-2), he let Sonego come back to win the third act (6-4, 2-6, 6-4 after just over 2 hours of play).
Generally superior, the Frenchman was unable to capitalize on his strong moments and finds himself one set away from the exit. He'll have to react urgently!