Humbert humbles Isner in Auckland

AUCKLAND: Unseeded Ugo Humbert toppled big-serving John Isner on Friday to make his first ATP final and set up an all-French showdown with Benoit Paire at the Auckland Classic tennis tournament.

Humbert attacked Isner at his strongest point, the serve, on his way to a 7-6 (7/5), 6-4 victory, while fifth-seed Paire beat Poland’s Hubert Hur­kacz 6-4, 7-6 (7/1), 6-2.

“I will enjoy playing Ugo in the final, it’s something special between French guys,” a relieved Paire after settling down to calmly take his deciding set after a prolonged mid-match outburst.

The 21-year-old Humbert, who had called his quarter-final win over second seed Denis Shapovalov the biggest victory of his career, went one better to master Isner’s powerful serve and make his maiden final. “It was a great match, I returned very well,” Humbert said.