Ugo Humbert put a Frenchman into the last Paris Masters final to be played at the Bercy  arena as he beat Karen Khachanov 6-7 (6), 6-4, 6-3 to line up for the trophy against Alexander Zverev.

The national No. 1 is the first home player to reach a Masters title match since Gael Monfils at 2016 Monte Carlo.

The ATP No. 18 will aim for his third final of the season after winning Dubai and Marseille.

Khachanov was plagued by cramps in the closing minutes after taking a medical timeout after the fifth game of the final set for right thigh problems.

Humbert, roared on my a fervent home crowd, finished off the biggest win of his career, with Khachanov cramping as he fell to the ground as the Frenchman’s return whizzed by him to set up three match points.

One was enough as the Bercy arena erupted as Humbert converted on his first chance after two and three-quarter hours.

“It’s amazing to do this in France, in Paris,” the delighted winner said. “This is my favourite tournament.

“And it’s the last one at Bercy, this is a dream for me.”

After advancing with 35 winners and breaking five times, Humbert admitted that he felt the expectations.

“This match was a little more difficult (than the quarter-finals). i felt more pressure.

“But at the end I tried to think about something else, enjoy the moment.

“I did super-well and I’m very proud.”

Humbert and Zverev have split their two matches, with the German winning their last, the second round here a year ago.

Main photo:- Ugo Humbert celebrates victory – by International Sports Fotos Ltd

Richard Gasquet exited for the final time at the Paris Masters on Tuesday, going out to Belgian lucky loser Zizou Bergs 6-3, 6-4 as the 38-year-old Frenchman said his emotional goodbye to the Bercy arena crowd.

The former world No. 7 who turned pro 22 years ago has already booked a retirement date after next spring’s Roland Garros edition but with a 133 ranking will have to rely on wild card entries..

He would have hoped to last longer in front of home fans after receiving a wild card into the field where he reached the 2007 semi-finals and a pair of quarter-finals – the last in 2016.

“I prepared so much for Bercy. I said to myself I would give 100 per cent of what I have, but the level was less good on this tournament,” Gasquet said after an on-court ceremony highlighting his career which left him in tears.

If I’m at this ranking now, it’s not for any reason. I ended up 130 worldwide. That’s why I’m stopping. Otherwise I wouldn’t end my career now.”

 The 16-time ATP title-winner with one of the best one-handed backhands in the sport added:  

“I’m giving 100 per cent of everything I have, but the level was less good on this tournament.

Gasquet will be concentrating on his final months all the way to Paris when the clay major begins in late May.

“I’m lucky to be in good physical shape, to play well, to be able to pretend to expect winning some matches. 

“I try not to be wounded and to enjoy as much as I can. I’ll try to carry on until the French Open,” he said, adding that he dreams of playing the French events of Montpellier and Marseille next season “, because they are dear to my heart.” 

“I’d like to play qualies in Monaco. A few challengers in France, as well. And Roland Garros. To try to have a nice season. There are beautiful tournaments to play ahead.”

Andy Murray expressed increasing optimism on Sunday that he can manage a Wimbledon start only days after keyhole surgery to remove a cyst on his spinal cord which affected his right leg movement.

The 37-year-old spelled out his options a day before play begins at the All England Club, saying he is progressing on the medical front every day and with every training session on the grass.

The former No. 1 who won the title here in 2013 and 2016, could make his start in both singles and in doubles with his brother Jamie.

Should be play singles, the Scot will start the first round against Czech Tomas Machac, who has defeated him this season at Marseille and Miami.

“I’ve been trying to do everything to try and get ready to start the tournament here,” he said.

But he warned: “I don’t know if that’s going to be enough. I’ve beenpracticing for the last few days. 

“I played a set today. It went pretty well, but I still don’t have 100 per cent  feeling and sensation in my leg yet.

“It’s getting better every single day; I want to give it every single chance that I can to get there.”

Murray is planning further on-court tests to check his condition, including play a practice set and getting additional medical tests.

“I will probably make a decision tomorrow (Monday) evening.”

He also left the door open for a possible doubles collaboration without singles if it comes down to that.

“Each day it becomes more and more likely that I’ll be able to play properly. 

“With doubles, although you’re covering less distance and less court, you still need to be able to move pretty explosively. 

“If I keep progressing like I have been for the next three, four days, before the doubles starts, then… “