Humbert, 35th player in the world, created a sensation by winning in three sets 6-7 (5/7), 7-5, 7-6 (7/2) and 2h55 against the winner of the US Open, leader of the Russian team for this unofficial kickoff of the season on the men’s circuit.
Russia still won the match 2-1, thanks to their doubles victory.
“It was very hard today, but I’m very happy,” said Humbert after one of the biggest wins of his career. “I just tried to stay relaxed, to stay focused on what to do, and it was a great game.”
In the second singles match of this France-Russia, the Russian Roman Safiullin (167th) beat Arthur Rinderknech (58th) in three sets, 2-6, 7-5, 6-3, after saving 15 break points on the 19 obtained by the French.
The double should therefore decide between the two teams but the duo formed by Fabrice Martin and Edouard Roger-Vasselin lost to Medvedev and Safiullin in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4.
France will face the Italians in Group B on Tuesday, whose leader Berrettini, a Wimbledon finalist, also missed his first of the season, falling to Australian Alex de Minaur (34th) 6-3, 7-6 ( 7/4).
“I have worked very hard to be here, I am in the best shape of my life and ready to have a great year” savored the Australian in front of a crowd obviously committed to his cause.
In the other single, Jannik Sinner (10th) had no difficulty against Max Purcell, dismissing the 176th world 6-1, 6-3. The other meeting of the evening pits the Germany of Alexander Zverev against Great Britain of Norrie. Zverev enforced the hierarchy by dismissing his opponent in straight sets, 7-6 (7/2), 6-1.
Victory of the United States against Canada
“It’s certainly not the best game of my life but I’m happy,” said the German, who won six titles in 2021 including Olympic champion in Tokyo.
As Briton Dan Evans won his duel against Jan-Lennard Struff 6-1, 6-2, the two nations were tied before a decisive double on Sunday night.
The group stage of this tournament, considered as a preparation for the Australian Open, is to continue until January 6. Only the four winning selections in their group will qualify for the semi-finals.
Sunday, the United States won against Canada, thanks in particular to the victory of the great server John Isner against Brayden Schnur (6-1, 6-3) who had replaced Denis Shapovalov at the last minute, tired after isolation following a positive test for Covid-19, on his arrival in Sydney.
Taylor Fritz then beat the other Canadian, Félix Auger-Aliassime (11th) in three sets 6-7 (6/8), 6-4, 6-4, while Shapovalov still took part in the doubles, without a stake for the outcome of the meeting.