Djokovic beats Humbert on first Basel appearance in 15 years

Novak Djokovic came from a set down to beat Ugo Humbert 4-6 6-3 6-4 on his first Basel appearance in 15 years. Djokovic was 11th in the race to the season-ending ATP Finals in Turin. Only the year's top eight performers qualify, with Djokovic seeking a record 19th appearance.

Djokovic saved break points twice early in the second set before breaking Humbert in the following game. He sealed victory with a forehand winner down the line after two and a half hours. It was his 20th tour-level win of the year, the 21st consecutive season in which he had reached that tally.

Djokovic entered the tournament 319 points behind Rafael Jodar, who occupied the final qualifying place and also gained 50 points by winning his first-round match. Djokovic was also seeking a 103rd tour-level title, which would draw him level with Roger Federer for second place on the men's Open era list.

• Djokovic entered the 2026 Swiss Indoors Basel on a wild card and was seeded fourth at the indoor hard-court ATP 500 tournament.
• Before Basel 2026, Djokovic and Humbert had met only once. Djokovic won that fourth-round Wimbledon match in straight sets in 2019.