Ugo Humbert – Semifinals Press Conference – 2024 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships

THE MODERATOR: First question.

Q. Can you talk us through the support and cheers that you received today. Was that something that drove you harder?

UGO HUMBERT: Yeah, for sure. There is a lot of French support here. Yeah, I felt it. Yesterday also. But, yeah, they help me to push me every time. So thanks to them.

Q. What was your reaction before stepping on the court when you found out that Andrey was defaulted? Did it take you by surprise? Was it weird? Were you super focused?

UGO HUMBERT: Yeah, I was focus. I didn’t see what happen. But, yeah, it was a strange. I don’t know, but I was focus on my match.

Q. Yesterday you defended three match points. Today you defended in the second set three break points. How were you able to do it?

UGO HUMBERT: I don’t know. The most important, I’m still here, so it’s good for me (smiling).

On this point, I tried to play like I know. It was not easy, yeah. Yesterday I could lose, so… But I’m still here, so it’s good.

Q. I noticed you were trying to serve out wide. You are a lefty. Daniil is standing far from the baseline. Was that specific technique you created for Daniil?

UGO HUMBERT: Against Daniil, you have to accept that you will not put a lot of aces. So, yeah, I try to do a lot of slice, to make Daniil outside the court. Yeah, it was one of my strategies today.

Q. Last few years you’ve been struggling with injuries, but always had a great record against top 20 players. Does this give you confidence to take the next step at Masters events and slams?

UGO HUMBERT: Yeah, this period was not easy to live for me. Now it’s behind me. Yeah, I’m more solid now. I have a great team around me. Yeah, the next step is to play good on this tournament, the Masters 1000 and Grand Slam.

Q. How aware are you of your record against top five players? You have a positive head-to-head.

UGO HUMBERT: I didn’t know.

Q. I think you have four wins against top five opponents. Is it something you’re aware of or something that helps you?

UGO HUMBERT: No, because I think when I was a kid, I dream a lot to play these kind of matches on the stadium against the best players in the world. Yeah, when I go on court, I say to myself, Okay, you can win, you can win. That’s why I think I’m really good against them.

Q. How do you look ahead to the final against Bublik?

UGO HUMBERT: It will be the first time, first meeting between us. He’s a fantastic player. I love this guy for the tennis. He’s so good.

But, yeah, it will be interesting. Not easy. Yeah, it’s a final so I have good statistic. Okay, the final, you don’t have to play it, you have to win it. I will try to do my best tomorrow.

FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports