Ugo Humbert Stuns Medvedev in Three-Set Rotterdam Thriller to Advance at ABN AMRO Open

French tennis player Ugo Humbert delivered one of the biggest upsets of the early 2026 season on Monday, defeating fourth seed Daniil Medvedev 7-6(4), 3-6, 6-3 in the opening round of the ABN AMRO Open in Rotterdam. The victory marks a significant statement from the French qualifier, who showed tremendous mental fortitude to outlast the former US Open champion in a match that lasted over two and a half hours.

Humbert, currently ranked outside the top 30, came into the tournament as a qualifier but showed no signs of intimidation against the Russian star. The first set went to a tiebreak, where Humbert raised his level at the crucial moments to claim it 7-4. Medvedev, known for his ability to grind out victories and frustrate opponents with his defensive skills, fought back strongly in the second set to level the match at one set apiece.

The decisive third set showcased Humbert's aggressive baseline game and willingness to take risks when opportunities presented themselves. The Frenchman broke Medvedev's serve at a critical juncture and never looked back, holding his nerve to serve out the match. Medvedev appeared increasingly frustrated as the match progressed, struggling with his timing and unable to impose his typically suffocating defensive style on his opponent.

For Medvedev, the early exit continues a somewhat inconsistent start to his 2026 season. The Russian has struggled to find his best form in recent weeks, and this loss raises questions about his preparation and confidence as the season moves toward the critical spring clay court swing. Medvedev has historically performed well in Rotterdam, making this opening round defeat particularly disappointing for the former world number one.

Humbert's victory sets up an intriguing second-round matchup at Rotterdam Ahoy, where he will face another challenging opponent as he looks to build on this career-defining win. The French player has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career but has struggled with consistency at the highest level. This triumph over a top-five opponent could prove to be the breakthrough moment that elevates Humbert into the upper echelon of men's tennis. The ABN AMRO Open continues through February 15, with several top seeds still in action as the tournament progresses.