Humbert sinks Medjedovic to claim back-to-back titles in Marseille

When Ugo Humbert steps onto court at the Open 13 Provence in Marseille, top form is almost always guaranteed.

The second-seeded Frenchman delivered an impressive display on Sunday to defeat Hamad Medjedovic 7-6(4), 6-4 and successfully defend his title at the indoor hard-court ATP 250. Humbert let slip a break lead and saved a set point in the first set, but recovered with a big-hitting performance to claim his seventh tour-level title, and fourth indoors.

“It wasn’t easy because he played really, really good, but I’m super happy to have my title back,” said Humbert, who improved to 13-2 in Marseille. “I’m so proud of it, [it’s] maybe the best [title] because I was a little bit stressed at the beginning of the tournament. With a title to defend, it was not easy to manage, but I’m super proud of it.

“It means a lot to me because it’s in France. It’s so nice to be back in Marseille. I love to play here. The fans were so good, they gave me the energy to win all four matches, so thanks to them.”

Title defence = COMPLETE 👏🇫🇷@HumbertUgo becomes the 1st Frenchman to go back-to-back in Marseille@Open13 | #O13Provence pic.twitter.com/qaQ85FPqH7

— ATP Tour (@atptour) February 16, 2025

With his one-hour, 40-minute victory, Humbert improved to 18-1 in his past 19 indoor matches on home soil, including the title in Metz in 2023, back-to-back triumphs in Marseille in 2024-25 and a run to the ATP Masters 1000 final in Paris last year (l. to Zverev).

Medjedovic, the 2023 Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF champion, was chasing his first tour-level title, but came unstuck by a gritty display from Humbert. With his run to the championship match in Marseille, the Serbian is up 24 spots to No. 72 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings.

“I would like to congratulate Ugo, you’re playing incredible, so good luck for the future,” said Medjedovic. “I would like to thank my team for being with me. Unfortunately we didn’t win but thank you for everything, also to my family back at home.”

Humbert was alert to Medjedovic’s use of the drop shot in the early stages, highlighted by an all-court point to break the Serbian’s in the third game. The 26-year-old served four consecutive aces in the following game to swing the momentum firmly in his favour, but let it slip when serving out the set at 5-4. Humbert let out a mighty roar after fending off a set point in the 12th game and then came alive in a dominant tie-break, in which he hit three winners.

Humbert serving from out wide in the Ad court to take advantage of his leftiness continued to trouble Medjedovic in the second set. The Frenchman won 92 per cent (12/13) points behind his first delivery, according to Infosys ATP Stats, and did not face a further break point as he became the first Frenchman to win back-to-back titles in Marseille.