France’s Ugo Humbert advanced to the Japan Open semi-finals on Sunday after Jack Draper was forced to retire early in the second set. The British player, who reached the US Open semi-finals earlier this month, was aiming to build on his success but was hindered by an upper body issue. Humbert took the first set 7-5, breaking Draper three times before Draper retired while trailing 2-1 in the second set.
Humbert expressed sympathy for Draper, saying, “I feel sorry for him because he was not 100 per cent, but at least we played an amazing first set with great intensity.” The Frenchman, ranked 19th in the world, will now face Czech Tomas Machac in the semi-finals, who earlier defeated American Alex Michelsen 7-6(2), 6-3.
Humbert, who has won two ATP titles this year, noted the competitive nature of the tournament, stating, “Everyone plays really good, everyone can beat everyone. I just try to take my chance, play my game, and let’s see what happens.”
