Andy Murray v Ugo Humbert LIVE: Dubai tennis result and latest reaction – The Independent

It’ll be Hubert Hukacz or Christopher O’Connell next for Ugo Humbert – the third seed is a big favourite and Hurkacz/Humbert would be a tasty little last eight tie.

That match follows Daniil Medvedev, the top seed, on centre court tonight. Lorenzo Sonego is the Russian’s opponent.

“It was a great match for me,” Humbert says. “I played really great tennis. It’s never easy to play against him but it’s a nice performance for me.

“It’s always nice to win a title. I’m happy, I’m playing well. I enjoyed it. It gives me a lot of confidence, and I’m trying to play with that confidence on court. I was really calm today and knew exactly what I had to.”

“Good luck,” Andy Murray tells Ugo Humbert at the net, the Scot frustrated with his inability to put his best performance on the court but decisively beaten by the better player. Humbert’s level today was outstanding – and on this sort of form, he looks a real contender this week.

Murray waves farewell to the crowd and disappears off centre court.

That’s that! Ugo Humbert beats Andy Murray 6-2, 6-4 to progress to the quarter-finals of the Dubai Open.

Murray succeeds in keeping himself alive, a beautifully cushioned volley from thigh height earning him game point before a netted Humbert return.

Murray re-straps his ankle braces and tries to loosen his legs, but an exasperated cry to the heavens after Ugo Humbert’s latest forehand tonk betrays the situation he faces. He’ll serve to stay in the match.

A rare positive game for Andy Murray, the highlight a delightful little clip over the net that befuddles his opponent with Ugo Humbert anticipating a sweeping shot cross-court.

Just out! So nearly a miraculous winner from Andy Murray at 30-all, beating Humbert to the Frenchman’s left but missing the white line by a matter of millimetres. And another game slips by with the Scot increasingly frustrated at himself…

There’s a bit of life in Murray yet, slumping into his chair at the change of ends after a reasonably hard-fought hold. We’ve seen him battle back from this sort of situation before – but Ugo Humbert looks too dialled in to let this slip.

And onwards Humbert marches, playing proactively with his left-handed angle causing problems for Murray on serve. The Scot somewhat impetuously swats a forehand return long.

Just three points won on return today for the 36-year-old.