Muller Defeats His Compatriot Humbert After an Epic Battle
Muller overcame his fellow Frenchman Humbert (6-2, 6-7, 7-6) in a duel lasting over two hours.
Muller dominated the first set (6-2). The native of Poissy delivered an 88% first-serve rate, converting 2 out of 4 break points. Meanwhile, Humbert committed many unforced errors (13) and only landed 52% of his first serves. Although he had chances to break his opponent’s serve, the French No. 2 missed both opportunities in the set (0/2).
The second set saw a fierce battle between the two players. While Humbert broke his compatriot at 5-5, Muller turned the tide by saving 4 set points to force a tie-break. Despite Muller’s slice shots and net approaches, the French No. 2 managed to prevail in this decisive set (7-3).
The clash between the two Frenchmen didn’t end there, as both players remained neck-and-neck, leading to another tie-break. Trailing 3-0, then 4-2 at the changeover, Muller raised his intensity to make the difference, despite a late comeback from Humbert (5-5). He ultimately claimed this red-white-and-blue battle after a match point (7-5 in the tie-break).
Muller secures his second victory over his compatriot since 2017 (ITF: 6-4, 7-6). He will face the winner of the match between Tiafoe and Darderi.
Madrid 
