The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships witnessed a major upset as France’s Ugo Humbert knocked out defending champion Stefanos Tsitsipas in the Round of 32. Humbert delivered a strong third-set performance to secure a 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 victory and move into the quarterfinal stage.
The win continues Humbert’s impressive record against the Greek star, extending his head-to-head advantage to 4-1.
Match Summary
| Category | Ugo Humbert | Stefanos Tsitsipas |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 | Lost |
| Match Time | – | Approx. 2h 10m |
| Aces | 7 | 6 |
| Double Faults | 1 | 2 |
| First Serve % | 75% | 65% |
| First Serve Points Won | 77% | 86% |
| Second Serve Points Won | 73% | 53% |
| Break Points | 1/5 | 0/3 |
| Total Points | 63 | 56 |
How the Match Unfolded
Humbert started strongly, breaking Tsitsipas early to take the first set 6-4. The defending champion responded well in the second set, improving his serve and leveling the match with another 6-4 score.
The turning point came in the third set. Humbert attacked Tsitsipas’ second serve, where the Greek struggled to win points. The French left-hander controlled the rallies and finished the match comfortably 6-2, sealing one of the biggest results of the round.
Notably, Tsitsipas failed to convert any of his break-point opportunities, which proved costly in a tight contest.
Title Defense Ends Early
The defeat marks an early exit for Tsitsipas, who had lifted the Dubai trophy in 2025 and entered this year as one of the favorites. His elimination means the tournament will crown a new champion in 2026.
For Humbert, the victory adds confidence and momentum as he continues his strong run against top players.
With this win, Humbert moves into the quarterfinals, where he is expected to face another top contender depending on the draw. His current form and confidence against higher-ranked opponents make him one of the potential surprise performers of the tournament.
The early exit of a defending champion always changes the tournament landscape. Tsitsipas’ loss opens up the draw and increases the chances of a breakthrough winner. Meanwhile, Humbert’s consistent success against elite players shows he could be a serious threat in Dubai this week.
As the competition moves into the later rounds, all eyes will be on whether the French star can continue his impressive run and challenge for the title.
