Humbert: 'I Really Like The Atmosphere' At The ATP Cup
France took its place in the ATP Cup following Austria's withdrawal. According to their leading man, Ugo Humbert, the French are fired up for the opportunity.
“It was unexpected," said Humbert. “But I was very happy when I found out that we can play. I'm super happy to be with these guys. It's nice to play a team competition just before the Australian Open.”
The French kicks off their campaign on Sunday against defending champions Russia in Group B. They then face a tough Italian team, which features Matteo Berrettini and Jannik Sinner, and host country Australia. World No. 35 Humbert is looking forward to the challenge.
“I saw the past editions of the ATP Cup," said Humbert. “I really like the atmosphere of the competition.”
It will be the 23-year-old’s ATP Cup debut. He is scheduled to face World No. 2 Daniil Medvedev, Berrettini and Sydney local Alex de Minaur in the No. 1 singles slot.
Arthur Rinderknech, the No. 2 singles player for France, currently sits at a career-high ATP Ranking of No. 58 and will also be hoping to perform well against scheduled opponents Roman Safiullin, Jannik Sinner and James Duckworth.
“I'm lucky… to play the ATP Cup with a bunch of great guys,” Rinderknech said. “It's really cool, and I hope we'll do great.”
The team has plenty of quality and experience in its doubles ranks, with Edouard Roger-Vasselin and Fabrice Martin, with career-high ATP Doubles Rankings of No. 6 and No. 22, respectively, representing their country.
Roger-Vasselin, who has won 22 tour-level doubles titles, will be making his third appearance in the ATP Cup. This is his first event since Wimbledon, as he underwent hip resurfacing in July.
“I'm ready to play,” said Roger-Vasselin. “I’m super excited to play here and to be with these guys on the court.”
Like Humbert, Martin is playing at the ATP Cup for the first time. “I'm really looking forward to it,” he said. “From watching the past years, it looks like an amazing event.”