Stefanos Tsitsipas lost to Ugo Humbert in the first round of the 2026 Dubai Tennis Championships.
The Greek’s title defense heated up when he lost to Humbert in straight sets, 4-6, 5-7.
After winning the title in Dubai last year, Tsitsipas had 500 points to defend this week.
Photo by Waleed Zein/Anadolu via Getty Images
Failing to win a single match, the former Grand Slam finalist is now preparing to tumble down the rankings.
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Stefanos Tsitsipas will fall out of the top 40
Having lost his opening match in Dubai, Tsitsipas now sits at 42nd in the Live ATP Rankings.
Tsitsipas was last ranked outside the world’s top 40 in 2018, almost eight years ago.
What is worrying is that it could fall even further.
It is not excluded that Tsitsipas could fall below 45th place in the rankings, if others enjoy good weeks in Dubai and Acapulco.
Photo by Noushad Variyattiyakkal/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
This would add to the embarrassment of the former world number three.
Tsitsipas was once one of the top prospects in men’s tennis, threatening to win Grand Slam titles.
In fact, when Tsitsipas took the court for his second Grand Slam final, at the 2023 Australian Open, he did so knowing that a victory would take him to world number one.
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Three years later, the Greek is in steep decline, losing its grip on the top 50.
Ugo Humbert reacts after beating reigning champion Stefanos Tsitsipas
Even though it was a bad day at the office for the 2025 Dubai champion, it was a great day for the 2024 champion.
Humbert was delighted with his efforts, reflecting on his performance during his post-match interview.
“I think it was a big battle from the serve, we served really well from start to finish,” Humbert said.
Photo by Gabriel Calvino Alonso/BSR Agency/Getty Images
“I had a bit of luck in the last match at 5-4, I made two double faults, but when I had opportunities, I took them, and I’m happy with this first victory because Stef (Tsitsipas) is a great player, we know he can play at the highest level.”
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Humbert was then asked about the conditions in Dubai, with courts apparently much faster than is common elsewhere on tour.
“I can’t complain because we don’t have a lot of fast courts now, and I think it’s good to have these kinds of conditions. So I really enjoyed it, yes it’s fast, but it’s good to have more specialized (courts),” he said.
“It was a funny match because we were the last two champions in Dubai, I know the people are super nice, it always feels good to feel that positivity.”
Humbert will now prepare to face Andrey Rublev or Valentin Royer in the second round, Wednesday February 25.
Tsitsipas, on the other hand, turns his attention to Indian Wells, which begins on Wednesday March 4.
