Karen Khachanov schools Ugo Humbert to ‘behave like a normal person’ due to his energetic celebrations with Paris Masters crowd
Karen Khachanov, who got injured during the third set at the Paris Masters, slammed Ugo Humbert for his aggressive celebration.
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Karen Khachanov, Ugo Humbert (Images via X)
Karen Khachanov criticized Ugo Humbert‘s behavior after their semifinal match at the Paris Masters. Khachanov, who lifted the last ATP Masters 1000 of the season in 2018 by upsetting Novak Djokovic in the final, bowed out of the tournament on Saturday (November 2).
After winning the tie-break in the first set, Khachanov couldn’t capitalize on his lead and ended up losing the second set. The third set was no different as the Russian suffered an injury on his thigh and also received medical treatment.
Humbert, in spite of seeing his opponent in pain, did not stop his aggressive celebrations. He was at the receiving end of criticism on social media, and his behavior displeased Khachanov. During the customary handshake, Khachanov had to teach the Frenchman about the proper way to behave.
Khachanov later said that although he didn’t have any problem with the way his opponent celebrated, Humbert’s aggressive celebrations when he was struggling due to injury upset him.
At the net, I have him stay a little calm and show respect. That’s not the way to behave. I’m always fair play, I’ll congratulate him if he behaves like a normal person. That’s all I can say.
Karen Khachanov told ZiggoSport
Before losing to Humbert, Khachanov defeated Grigor Dimitrov 6-2, 6-3 in the quarterfinals. As the Bulgarian was exhausted during the match, Khachanov deemed it best to not celebrate much.
Yesterday, Grigor was exhausted, not injured. Did you see me jumping and shouting “Come on” after every point? Do you think that’s good? You can celebrate after the match with the crowd, no problem. But doing that when the other one is on the ground.
Karen Khachanov added
Sealed with a ?@HumbertUgo nabs a critical break in Paris. #RolexParisMasters pic.twitter.com/XQPCQ5gMTA
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) November 2, 2024
Ugo Humbert thanks Paris Masters crowd for helping him win matches
In every match Ugo Humbert has played, the majority of the crowd backed him. It was the same case when the 26-year-old was up against second-seed Carlos Alcaraz in the fourth round. Even though he was slammed for his celebrations during his match against Karen Khachanov, Humbert said the crowd has helped him ‘push through’ when he was on the edge.
Having 1000 people cheering behind me is true happiness, and that’s why I turn to them. The crowd is here to support me.
Ugo Humbert said at the press conference
In the final, Humbert is set to lock horns with Alexander Zverev, who went past 2022 Paris Masters champion Holger Rune in straight sets. The final will be their third encounter on the ATP Tour as they have won a match each in the previous two meetings.
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Gouri Das
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