THERE was no dream maiden ATP Masters success for local French hope Ugo Humbert, as new world number two Alexander Zverev played the role of party pooper and stormed to a straight sets win in Paris. Winning his first hardcourt title above 250 level since his severe ankle injury two years ago, Zverev won 6-2 6-2 against the in-form Frenchman who had collected plenty of scalps at the event.

The German 27-year-old – who is set to make an impact at Turn in a week’s time – never gave Humbert a look-in, controlling his serve and dominating from the get-go. In a sublime performance, Zverev only dropped five points on his serve in a match that lasted an hour and 15 minnutes.

“I knew I had to play like this to win today,” Zverev said post-match. “Ugo is an incredible player, but here in Paris, he plays even better than he usually does and I knew that. Once the crowd gets involved, it’s going to be difficult. So, I had to take that away early, and I did, so I’m happy about that.

Zverev won 21 of 23 points off his first serve (91 per cent) and 11 of 14 off his second serve (79 per cent), not facing a break point in the entire match. By comparison, he set up six chances off Humbert’s serve, converting four of them. The German also served four aces without a double fault.

Looking back at the adversity he has had to overcome, Zverev was pleased to be able to lift another 1000 title.

“It was not 100 per cent guaranteed that I would be back at this level after Roland Garros two years ago, when I basically broke everything possible in my ankle,” he said. “So, to win this title here in Paris means the world to me, and I’m sure it means everything to those in my box, because they have done so much for me.”

Zverev won his seventh ATP Masters 1000 title, going up to equal eighth on the all-time rankings, while also improving his ATP Tour finals record to 23-13. By contrast, Humbert moved to 6-2 after being 6-0 from his first six finals. While he missed out on winning the Paris title, he was pleased with what he was able to accomplish in the French capital, including wins over Carlos Alcaraz, Jordan Thompson and Karen Khachanov.

“I’m extremely happy to have played in this final,” Humbert said. “To have my family and team with me the whole week has been incredible. It’s for moments like this why I do this every day, why I train.”