Tennis
Novak Djokovic Draws Ugo Humbert for Basel Return
Djokovic will face Humbert in his first Basel appearance since 2011.
Novak Djokovic will open his return to Swiss Indoors Basel against Ugo Humbert, with Saturday’s draw giving the Serbian a first-round match against the Frenchman at the indoor ATP 500 tournament.
Djokovic’s official website confirmed the pairing and his first Basel appearance since 2011. He accepted a wild card for the event, which runs October 26 through November 1, as he continues pursuing an ATP Finals berth.
His previous Basel appearances produced a title in 2009, a final in 2010 and a semifinal in 2011. He defeated Roger Federer in the 2009 championship match.
The athlete’s draw announcement lists Jan-Lennard Struff or a qualifier as Djokovic’s potential second-round opponent. That meeting depends on Djokovic first beating Humbert. Djokovic is seeded fourth in the top half of the draw.
Djokovic has played Humbert once before, winning their fourth-round Wimbledon match in 2019 in straight sets. His last appearance in the Basel draw was 15 years ago.
