Ugo Humbert Stuns Former Champion Daniil Medvedev in Dramatic Rotterdam Opener

France's Ugo Humbert delivered a stunning upset on Monday, February 9, defeating former champion Daniil Medvedev 7-6 (4), 3-6, 6-3 in the opening round of the ABN AMRO Open in Rotterdam. The world No. 36 displayed remarkable resilience throughout the match, saving all six break points he faced in the decisive final set to secure his place in the round of 16 and eliminate one of the tournament's top seeds.

The match was marked by increasing frustration from Medvedev, who struggled with the playing conditions throughout the contest. The Russian star was heard repeatedly shouting about what he called "unplayable balls" and received an official warning from the chair umpire for his outbursts. His frustration reached a boiling point after the final point, when he smashed his racquet multiple times on the Rotterdam court in a display of anger that shocked spectators and has since gone viral on social media.

Humbert's victory represents one of the biggest wins of his career and continues his strong form heading into the European indoor swing. The 27-year-old Frenchman showed exceptional composure in the crucial moments, particularly in the first-set tiebreak and during the final set when Medvedev applied sustained pressure. His ability to save six consecutive break points in the third set demonstrated the mental fortitude required to defeat a multiple Grand Slam finalist.

Medvedev's early exit from Rotterdam is particularly significant given his history at the tournament, where he claimed the title in previous years. The former world No. 1 has been searching for consistency in 2026, and this loss represents another setback in what has been a frustrating season thus far. His complaints about the ball quality and court conditions may have merit, but his inability to channel that frustration productively ultimately cost him the match.

The playing conditions in Rotterdam have been a talking point throughout the tournament, with several players expressing concerns about the speed of the court and the behavior of the balls in the indoor environment. Medvedev's vocal complaints brought these issues to the forefront, though tournament officials have defended the conditions as meeting all ATP Tour standards. The debate over indoor court conditions and ball quality continues to be a contentious issue on the professional tour.

Humbert now advances to face either Alex de Minaur or Arthur Fils in the next round, riding the confidence boost that comes from defeating a player of Medvedev's caliber. For the Frenchman, this victory could serve as a springboard for a deep run in Rotterdam and potentially signal a breakthrough moment in his career. Meanwhile, Medvedev will need to regroup quickly, with several key tournaments on the horizon as the season progresses toward the hardcourt Grand Slam in North America.