Humbert defeats fellow Frenchman Fils in 's-Hertogenbosch

Ugo Humbert earned his way back into the win column with a strong start to his Libema Open campaign on Wednesday. The third-seeded Frenchman picked up his first victory since Madrid with a 6-3, 7-6(1) result against fellow Frenchman Arthur Fils at the ATP 250 in 's-Hertogenbosch.

Humbert began his grass-court campaign with a dominant serving performance. He won 82 per cent of his first-serve points and saved the only two break points against him, according to Infosys ATP Stats. The victory improved him to 2-0 in his Lexus ATP Head2Head with his countryman and 9-2 overall against French opponents since the start of 2023.

"It was not easy to play against a friend," Humbert said of FIls. "We'll play together at the Olympics in doubles. It was nice to play against him.

"I'm super happy with my first win on the grass, my first match on the grass. I felt really comfortable."

Humbert will next meet Dutchman Gijs Brouwer after the home favourite's 6-3, 6-3 upset of Adrian Mannarino. Brouwer broke the fifth seed's serve four times on seven chances to advance to his fourth ATP Tour quarter-final and his first on grass. The win against the No. 21 in the PIF ATP Rankings was the second Top 30 win of his career (def. Ruud in Rotterdam 2023).

Hometown hero 🇳🇱@Griekii takes out McDonald 6-3 7-6 for a spot in the QFs!@LibemaOpen | #LibemaOpen pic.twitter.com/92tYE7P65r

Defending champion Tallon Griekspoor ensured there will be two Dutchmen in the quarters with a 6-3, 7-6(5) win against Mackenzie McDonald, with both home favourites victorious on centre court. The World No. 23 is now 16-2 on home soil since the start of 2023, including a dramatic win against Miomir Kecmanovic on Tuesday that required three tie-breaks.

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