Mannarino, Humbert cap off big seasons with titles in Sofia and Metz

It was amazing season for the top two Frenchmen on the ATP Tour and it ended in fitting fashion on Sunday afternoon. Adrian Mannarino and Ugo Humbert wrapped up their 2023 campaigns with respective titles in Sofia and Metz.

Mannarino won the Sofia Open by battling past Jack Draper 7-6(6), 2-6, 6-3 after two hours and 17 minutes. It was the 35-year-old’s third title of 2023, more than doubling his count heading into the season (two). With the victory, Mannarino will climb to No. 21 in the world.

“That’s definitely the best way to finish the year,” Mannarino assured. “It’s been a great year and I’m a little bit exhausted but it’s really motivating when you’re doing well. I was playing great on court and I’m happy with the result.

“That was really close. I got a little bit lucky at the end, It could have gone both ways. I don’t know what made the difference today, but it’s like this. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, and I’m just a little bit more lucky today. “

With Humbert currently ranked 23rd, Mannarino would have finished the year as the top Frenchman if his compatriot had not triumphed at the Moselle Open. But Humbert had other ideas, and his 6-3, 6-3 defeat of Alexander Shevchenko will take him to No. 20 in the world. The 25-year-old saved the only break point he faced while cruising in just one hour and seven minutes.

Humbert reached at least the quarterfinals of seven tournaments since Wimbledon, including four semifinal results or better. 

“It was my dream when I was young to win this tournament,” said Humbert, who is a Metz native. “It’s just amazing. I have a lot of feelings now, I can’t describe it. It’s so incredible to win here in my hometown in front of my family. To finish strong like this, it’s just an amazing feeling.

“I tried to play my game; I tried to put the pressure on every point. It was not easy. I knew that the key was to stay really present and I did it. When I had the opportunities, I tried to go for it. I’m super proud.”

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