Zverev beats Rune to set up Humbert clash in Paris Masters final

Alexander Zverev is through to his second Paris Masters final, defeating Holger Rune 6-3, 7-6 (4) on Sunday morning (AEDT) to end the Dane’s hopes of making the ATP Finals in Turin.

Rune came into the match with a 12-1 record in Paris — he won the event in 2022 and made the final last year — but could not withstand the consistent hitting and dominance on serve that world No.3 Zverev delivered.

The German made 67% of first serves, winning 82% of the time when he landed the shot, and offered up just three break points across the one-hour, 46-minute clash.

“I feel like I made it a little difficult for myself, but he is a champion,” Zverev said after the match.

“It is probably his favourite tournament and favourite court, but I am happy to be in my second final here.

“I am looking forward to it.”

Zverev will face Ugo Humbert in the Paris Masters decider after the Frenchman survived an epic against Karen Khachanov in the other semi-final of the day.

The world No.18 lost the opening set in a tiebreaker before coming back to win it 6-7 (6), 6-4, 6-3 after Khachanov suffered a leg injury in the third.

Humbert is the first Frenchman to make the final in Paris since Jo-Wilfred Tsonga lost to Roger Federer in 2011.

The 26-year-old is on a hot streak that includes a win over world No.2 Carlos Alcaraz earlier in the tournament, yet he heads into the final as a heavy underdog with most tennis betting sites.

Top bookmaker BetOnline is paying $1.40 for Zverev to prevail, while Humbert is at odds of $3.

“It is amazing to do it in Paris at my favourite tournament. It is a dream,” Humbert said after making his maiden ATP Masters 1000 final.

“It was a little bit difficult compared to the previous matches.

“I felt a little more pressure and after the loss of the first set I tried to enjoy the moment and be with the crowd.

“I did very well, and I am super proud.”

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