"I have an old fracture," Humbert, the only French seeded player at the US Open, hindered by his back

Ugo Humbert is the only French representative who will be seeded (No. 22) during the US Open.

With only two matches under his belt during the North American tour, the Metz native will try to hold his ground in New York, having never done better than the second round in 2018, 2020, and 2024.

But like French No. 1 Arthur Fils, who withdrew from the event, it's Humbert's back that's causing trouble.

"The pain came on stupidly. I was training and my back locked up. I underwent tests and apparently, I have an old fracture, which dates back a very long time.

And when it moves a bit, it rubs, causing inflammation. Right now, it's flaring up a bit more than usual. I have to deal with it," he explained during media day.

An injury that, however, doesn't plan to stop last year's Paris-Bercy finalist:

"The intensity is good, the level of play is good, the mindset is good. It allows me to tell myself that I'm giving myself the best possible chance."

The world No. 23 will make his debut on Monday or Tuesday against Adam Walton.