The US Open champion broke 3–1 in the decider, but Humbert struck back to put the set back on serve and had rarely been threatened since.
Russian Daniil Medvedev’s 2022 season began with a 6-7(5) 7-5 7-6(2) defeat at the ATP Cup in January after a three-hour dogfight over the steamy Ken Roswell Arena. 2.
The world number two was expected to be the defending champions in Group B after Roman Safiulin’s 2-6, 7-5, 6-3 win over Arthur Rinderknecht, but Humbert’s inspired performance helped France win the doubles. I led 1-1.
“Today was very tough, I don’t feel very well now but I am very happy,” laughed world number 35 Humbert.
“I tried to be comfortable and focus on what I had to do. It was a great match.”
Humbert fired out winners and errors alike and stood firm whenever it looked like Medvedev could get away with them.
Medvedev won the first set in the tiebreak, but had to go the distance after giving him a 3–0 lead to hand the second set to the Frenchman.
The US Open champion broke 3–1 in the decider, but Humbert hit back to put the set back on serve and had rarely been threatened since.
The final tiebreaker saw the Russians run out of both puffiness and patience, and Humbert secured the biggest win of his career with a swift backhand return on his second match point.
Earlier, Canadian Denis Shapovalov made a late return from his singles match against American John Isner in the second opening match of the $10 million men’s team tournament on Sunday.
The world number 14 was forced to isolate in his hotel room after testing positive for COVID-19 upon arrival in Sydney.
“I didn’t feel physically ready yet, so we did what was best for the team,” said Shapovalov, who later took to the court to play doubles with Felix Auger-Aliassim.
That match was a dead rubber, however, as Isner defeated Shapovalov’s single replacement Bryden Schner 6–1 6–3 before Taylor Fritz defeated Auger-Aliasheim 6–7 (6) 6–4 6–4. America was given 2 points after defeating. -0 lead in Group C clash.
Hosts Australia suffered a setback ahead of their opening Group B match against Italy on 2 January when James Duckworth was forced to withdraw with a hip problem. Germany will face Britain in Group C in the second evening match.
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