Alexander Zverev delivered a commanding performance in the Paris Masters final, dispatching France’s Ugo Humbert 6-2, 6-2 in just 75 minutes to claim his seventh ATP Masters 1000 title. The victory, which marks his first Paris Masters crown, was a culmination of his outstanding form throughout the week, capping off a tournament in which he displayed incredible consistency and focus. With the win, Zverev not only added 1,000 ATP ranking points to his tally but also moved up to No. 2 in the world, overtaking Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz.
The German’s triumph was especially noteworthy for the way he remained focused on continual improvement, even after lifting the prestigious trophy. Rather than basking in the glory of his title win, Zverev chose to go straight into a practice session following the trophy ceremony, prioritizing his ongoing development as a player. He postponed his press conference to continue refining his game, underscoring his commitment to long-term progress rather than short-term satisfaction. “I just finished my practice session. I did not do it because of a comfortable victory in the final. I have my goals, and I’m constantly working on improvements in my game. That’s the most important thing for me daily, and I’m not thinking that much about the results as I cannot force them,” Zverev said in a candid reflection after his win.
This victory in Paris also served as a timely reminder of Zverev’s potential heading into 2025. As a two-time Grand Slam finalist, having reached the final of both the US Open and the Australian Open in the past, Zverev is more motivated than ever to claim his first Major title. His newfound position as the World No. 2 also brings him closer to the ATP throne, with the German eyeing a return to the top of the rankings and, more importantly, his first Grand Slam triumph.
### A Clinical Display in the Final
From the very first game of the final, Zverev looked in complete control of his match against Humbert. The Frenchman, who had already made waves in the tournament by defeating top names like Carlos Alcaraz and Karen Khachanov, was unable to replicate his previous performances against Zverev. Despite being the first Frenchman to reach the Paris Masters final since Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in 2011, Humbert was no match for the clinical efficiency of the German on the day. Zverev took charge early, dominating with both his serve and return game, not giving Humbert much of a chance to settle into any rhythm.
Zverev won 78% of his first-serve points and faced only a single break point throughout the match, which he saved. His serve was rock solid, and his return game was aggressive, constantly putting pressure on Humbert. The Frenchman, who struggled with his forehand throughout the match, served at just 52% and was unable to find any consistency in his shots. He committed a series of unforced errors, including several forehand mistakes that allowed Zverev to break serve multiple times.
The German’s performance was impeccable as he capitalized on Humbert’s weaknesses, particularly in the shorter rallies. Zverev dominated in the crucial moments, saving his best for the points that mattered most. In the first set, Zverev only dropped one point on serve and broke Humbert twice to close out the opener 6-2 in just 36 minutes.
In the second set, Humbert’s game unraveled further. A loose forehand at the start of the set handed Zverev an early break, and the Frenchman could not recover. Zverev broke again in the third game, taking a commanding 3-0 lead before eventually serving for the match at 5-2. With Humbert serving to stay in the match, Zverev clinched victory in style, finishing the match with a crisp volley at the net to seal his 6-2, 6-2 win and claim his seventh Masters 1000 title.
### Zverev’s Road to Success
This victory in Paris marks a significant milestone in Zverev’s career. He had previously won six Masters 1000 titles, but this is his first at the Paris Masters, a tournament that had eluded him until now. The win also adds to Zverev’s growing list of achievements, which includes a career-high ranking of No. 2 and two Grand Slam finals appearances. His ability to raise his level in big matches has long been one of his hallmarks, and his impressive performance in Paris further reinforced his status as one of the best players on tour.
The German’s success in Paris also follows a series of strong performances over the past few months. After an injury-plagued 2022 season, Zverev has steadily returned to his best form in 2023, steadily climbing up the rankings and consistently making deep runs at major tournaments. His ability to perform under pressure has never been in question, but with this win, it’s clear that Zverev is primed for even greater success.
With his move to No. 2 in the ATP rankings, Zverev is now firmly in the mix to challenge for the No. 1 spot in 2025. His main rivals in that race are Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz, both of whom have held the top spot this year. Zverev, however, remains focused on his own journey and improvement. His decision to practice immediately after winning the Paris Masters title is a clear indication that he is not resting on his laurels but is instead committed to further honing his game and making the necessary adjustments to take the next step.
### Looking Ahead to 2025
As Zverev sets his sights on 2025, his goal will undoubtedly be to break through and win his first Grand Slam title. He has come close on two occasions, but both times he fell short, losing to Daniil Medvedev in the US Open final in 2020 and to Djokovic in the Australian Open final in 2021. But with his game steadily improving, and with a position at No. 2 in the rankings, Zverev is more motivated than ever to finish his career with a Major win.
Zverev’s decision to focus on improvement, even after such a dominant victory, speaks to his mental strength and his unwavering commitment to becoming one of the best. Fans around the world will be watching closely as he enters the 2025 season, hoping that this could be the year that the German finally claims his first Major title and solidifies his place among the sport’s elite.