Ugo Humbert Withdraws from Doha ATP 500, Set to Defend Dubai Title
Hot off his victory at the Open 13 in Marseille, Ugo Humbert has withdrawn from the ATP 500 tournament in Doha. The Frenchman, who claimed his seventh career title in Marseille, was set to face Nuno Borges in the first round of the Qatar event.
Humbert’s decision to skip Doha is not entirely surprising. The tournament in Dubai, where he is the defending champion, begins next week and features a star-studded field that includes Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Daniil Medvedev, Andrey Rublev, and Stefanos Tsitsipas.
With Humbert’s withdrawal, only one Frenchman remains in the Doha draw: Quentin Halys. The 26-year-old qualified for the tournament by defeating Stan Wawrinka and will face Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime in the first round.
Humbert’s victory in Marseille was a significant achievement, marking his first ATP title since 2021. The triumph moved him up to 49th in the ATP rankings, his highest position since reaching a career-high of 24th in July 2021.
The upcoming ATP 500 in Dubai will be a major test for Humbert. The field is one of the strongest of the season, and the Frenchman will need to be at his best to defend his title. His victory in Marseille will have undoubtedly given him a confidence boost, but he will face a significant challenge in Dubai.
Analysis
Humbert’s decision to withdraw from Doha is understandable given the proximity of the Dubai tournament. The Frenchman has a chance to make a deep run in Dubai, where he has a good track record, and he has chosen to prioritize that opportunity over playing in Doha.
For Halys, the Doha tournament represents a chance to make a statement. The Frenchman has been in good form lately, and he will be confident of causing an upset against Auger-Aliassime in the first round. If he can advance deep into the tournament, it could be a major boost to his career.
The ATP 500 tournaments in Doha and Dubai are shaping up to be two of the most exciting events of the year. With a star-studded field in Dubai and a chance for Halys to shine in Doha, there is plenty of action to look forward to in the coming days.
