Humbert “The Commander” edges Shapovalov on day one of UTS Frankfurt

The Frenchman came up with some huge shots to see off Shapovalov

October 18, 2024

Ugo Humbert kickstarted his UTS Frankfurt campaign with a three quarters to one victory over Denis Shapovalov in an entertaining match on day one.

The Frenchman – The Commander – picked the pocket of Shapovalov – Shapo – to win the fourth quarter and wrap up a 16-11, 11-18, 14-13, 15-13 victory.

“It was really intense, always when I play with Denis. even when we play table tennis,” Humbert said after picking up his second win in two UTS matches. “I played some amazing shots at the end and won some lucky points. I’m very happy.”

Humbert takes nervy opening quarter

Both players looked nervous early on, with each making several mistakes. Humbert served into the net when using his bonus card but the Frenchman had the edge throughout, finishing the quarter with a 15-10 advantage.

“That was garbage,” Shapovalov said. “Serve, forehand, backhand, volleys…..we didn’t hit a smash so that was alright. But the only way is up.”

Shapovalov steps it up to level

When Humbert led 4-2 early in the second quarter, it looked like the Frenchman would double his lead but to his credit, Shapo raised his game to level.

The Canadian found his range, serving and volleying at times, to good effect. The left-hander, who had won just one quarter on his UTS debut, pulled away midway through the quarter, thanks to winning his bonus card to lead 13-8. He led 18-11 when the time ran out and though two double faults from Shapovalov let Humbert back in, he won the third point to clinch the quarter.

HUMBERT SNATCHES THIRD QUARTER ON DECIDING POINT

With his confidence up, Shapovalo jumped out to a 7-3 lead, only for Humbert to gradually work his way back into the quarter.

Five straight points put him 8-7 up and when he won his next point counts three card, he led 13-11. Shapovalov hit back to level at 13-13 and force a deciding point. The Canadian looked on top in the rally on the Humbert serve but went to the net despite a forehand that lacked depth and was punished as Humbert slammed a forehand at his feet.

The Commander wraps up victory

Shapovalov again led earl;y on as he looked to tie it up at two quarters apiece but Humbert kept pegging him back, recovering from 12-8 down to level at 13-13, thanks to success with his bonus card.

A brilliant backhand winner made it 14-13 as time ran out and then, on the first extra point, Shapovalov put a serve in the net to hand his opponent victory.