"When I play, my finger doesn't bother me anymore," Humbert rejoices after his first grass-court win of the season

Ugo Humbert has made a perfect start to his grass-court season. The Frenchman, seeded No. 2, defeated Daniel Evans (7-5, 6-3) and advanced to the quarterfinals of the s-Hertogenbosch tournament, where he will face Nuno Borges, who benefited from Otto Virtanen's withdrawal.

After his victory over the British player, the Metz native reflected on his recent physical issues, having injured his right hand in April before retiring in the second round of Roland-Garros against Jacob Fearnley.

"For a first match, I thought it was solid. Normally, I never feel great in my first grass-court match. The ball doesn’t come off the racket well. But this time, I felt good. I liked my attitude—that’s what helped me win.

Practice sessions weren’t great... There was the issue with the finger. The opponent was solid, having played more than me coming through qualifying. And it was raining when I arrived here.

I’m happy to be playing on grass! I don’t even talk about the finger anymore. I’ve gotten used to the pain. It still hurts much less, and when I play, it doesn’t bother me anymore.

I can hit my backhand normally. The last few weeks haven’t been easy, especially with Roland ending in a retirement... Now, I need to get back on track and try to have a great grass-court season," Humbert reassured L'Équipe.