The last two former champions -- Holger Rune and Karen Khachanov -- were sent out of the Paris Masters in the semifinal round Saturday.
Alexander Zverev took care of Rune for the third time this season with a 6-3, 7-6(4) victory to reach his second Paris Masters final.
"I feel like I made it a little difficult for myself but he is a champion. It is probably his favorite tournament and favorite court, but I am happy to be in my second final here," the German said. "I am looking forward to it."
Zverev nearly gagged failing to serve it out in the second before needing the breaker to advance to his 12th career Masters event.
In the final, it will be the surprise Ugo Humbert. The unseeded Frenchman who stunned Carlos Alcaraz rallied past Khachanov 6-7(6), 6-4, 6-3 to make his biggest career final.
Humbert has actually won his last 13 indoor matches in France having won Metz and Marseille.
"It is amazing to do it in Paris at my favorite tournament. It is a dream," Humbert said after reaching his first Masters final. "It was a little bit difficult compared to the previous matches. I felt a little more pressure and after the loss of the first set I tried to enjoy the moment and be with the crowd. I did very well and I am super proud."
The two split two previous meetings with Zverev taking at the Paris Masters in three sets last year.