"I told him to show more respect" - Karen Khachanov lashes out at Ugo Humbert for over-the-top celebrations in Paris Masters SF despite his injury
Karen Khachanov has shed light on the details of his contentious net exchange with Ugo Humbert after their tense clash in the semifinals of the 2024 Paris Masters. The Russian disclosed that he had chastised Humbert for his over-the-top celebrations against an injured opponent.
With a spot in the final of the ATP Masters 1000 event on the line, the duo engaged in a closely contested battle. Khachanov claimed the opening set after a riveting tiebreak, only for Humbert to bounce back strongly and force a decider, much to the home crowd's delight.
Although the third set initially progressed in similarly thrilling fashion, the Russian soon called for a medical timeout to treat a leg injury. Karen Khachanov was visibly struggling for the remainder of the match and could barely move for the final two games.
Despite the World No. 21's injury, the home favorite Ugo Humbert continued to celebrate enthusiastically with the passionate French crowd, as he claimed a 6-7(6), 6-4, 6-3 victory to advance to his maiden Masters 1000 final. Khachanov's frustration with Humbert's conduct was evident, as he exchanged heated words with the Frenchman during the post-match handshake.
Speaking to Ziggo Sport after his loss, Karen Khachanov explained that he had urged Ugo Humbert to be more respectful, strongly criticizing the 26-year-old's conduct.
"I told him at the net to show more respect. He has no idea how to behave. I always fair play. I will congratulate him if he behaves like a normal person. That’s all I can say," Khachanov said.
Khachanov pointed out that he himself had refrained from celebrating excessively during his quarterfinal win over a fatigued Grigor Dimitrov. As such, the Russian took issue with Humbert choosing to "jump and scream" after every point despite knowing that his opponent was injured.
"You can be with the crowd. I have no problem with that. Did you see me celebrate yesterday? Grigor was exhausted. He wasn’t injured at the end, he told me. Did you see me jumping and screaming 'Come on! Allez!' After every point.. do you think it’s okay?"
He added:
"You can celebrate after with the crowd no problem. You can do whatever you want. But while you see injuries are part of the game to do it while you see the guy is on the ground? Okay, see you next time."
The 28-year-old also shed light on his injury, disclosing that he felt a sharp pain in multiple areas of his leg. However, he asserted that he would need to consult a doctor to fully understand the extent of the damage.
"I felt sharp pain in three spots. I will see tomorrow with a doctor here and evaluate exactly how bad it is. If it's a small strain or small rupture, I don't know, no idea yet."
Ugo Humbert to take on Alexander Zverev in Paris Masters final after his win over Karen Khachanov
Ugo Humbert will look to put his controversy with Karen Khachanov behind him as he takes on third seed Alexander Zverev in the 2024 Paris Masters Final. Zverev claimed a 6-3, 7-6(4) win over Holger Rune to book his place against the Frenchman.
Although Humbert and Zverev stand level at 1-1 in their head-to-head record, the German triumphed in their most recent encounter at last year's edition of the Paris Masters, claiming a hard-fought 6-4, 6-7(3), 7-6(5) victory over the 26-year-old in the second round.
Ugo Humbert is aiming to become the first Frenchman to triumph at the Paris Masters since Jo-Wilfried Tsonga emerged victorious in 2008. Alexander Zverev, meanwhile, is on the hunt for his seventh ATP Masters 1000 title.