ATP Montpellier Day 1 Predictions

Ugo Humbert vs Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

A legend of French tennis will take on a local rising star in the first round of the tournament. Humbert will go into the match with tremendous confidence as he enjoyed a stellar 2019 season – reaching six Challenger finals and winning three of them. However, Tsonga is a different calibre of player, especially in France, and the indoor courts will favour his ultra aggressive style. Despite not playing much tennis in the past twelve months, the 33-year-old Frenchman looks almost certain to come through his first meeting with his 20-year-old compatriot.
Prediction: Tsonga in 2

Mischa Zverev vs Jeremy Chardy

These two players’ recent form are completely opposite. Zverev seems to be declining from the peak he reached back in 2017. The German is on a three-match losing streak, with his last singles win happening back at the Shanghai Masters. Chardy seems to be on the ascent after reaching the semifinals of Brisbane and losing a tight five-set marathon against Alexander Zverev. Chardy will have the overwhelming support as he takes on his 31-year-old opponent and therefore I see it very difficult to see a Zverev victory.
Prediction: Chardy in 2

Marcel Granollers vs Ivo Karlovic

Granollers appears to be another player who is on the decline. Only last week he lost to Pavel Kotov (ranked #319) in the first round of the Quimper Challenger event. On the other hand, Karlovic has had an impressive start to his 2019 season. He reached the Maharashtra Open final and then followed that up with a final set tiebreak loss to Kei Nishikori at the Australian Open. There only seems to be one result on the cards, and that is a win from the Croat, especially on the indoor courts in Montpellier.
Prediction: Karlovic in 2