Antwerp (Belgium) (AFP)
Murray too strong for Humbert. The young Frenchman played for a long time on equal terms with the Scots in the semi-final on Saturday in Antwerp but he finally gave in and lost 3-6, 7-5, 6-2.
Returning to the circuit for four months after his operation at the hip in January, the former world number one dominated Humbert, he faced for the first time, the experience.
Murray will play his first final since Dubai in March 2017, against another grunt, Stan Wawrinka, also a rookie, the Italian Jannik Sinner, just 18 years old.
Break after being led 40-15 in the second set, nine points in a row to take the lead in the third inning ... the Scotsman, currently 243rd in the world, has been able several times to return difficult situations.
Fierce, as when he lost a break in the second set, Murray has nevertheless taken the lead in a match that at first seemed to elude him.
Faced with a 70th World Frenchman who initially attempted risky moves, close to the line, Murray gave up his serve by sending a ball into the net while Humbert defended solidly at the bottom.
But even led, even spoiling several opportunities, the Scot was able to turn the wind.
First warning when he took Humbert's serve at 3-1 in the second set, after being led 40-15.
Despite a nice comeback, by sticking immediately to the score, the French finally succumbed to pressure, accumulating errors on his second serve, and losing the set on a double fault in the last game.
And Murray rolled. Nine points in a row from the start of the third inning to clear three break points from the French and take him in the wake of his service with a shutout.
Decisive blow of club. Murray has not conceded a single break point.
And Humbert, a two-time Challenger champion this year, will have to wait to play a final on the main circuit.
© 2019 AFP