Jannik Sinner wins the Australian Open and, quick as a flash, we’re back on court on the ATP Tour, this week in Montpellier, France. This week, we’re in Montpellier and we’ve made some predictions for the first round of action including matches for Andy Murray and Benjamin Bonzi.
ATP Montpellier Day 1 Predictions
Daniel Rincon vs Antoine Esoffier
Head-to-head: Rincon 1-0 Escoffier
Daniel Rincon, a young lefty from Spain, takes on Antoine Escoffier in qualifying, a French veteran that’s played in the lower tier of tournaments for a long time. Though Rincon doesn’t have many high ranking wins on hard courts so far, his level is steadily creeping in the right direction–plus his highest ranking win came against Escoffier.
Though Escoffier will have the experience required to make things awkward, Rincon should be the more accomplished hitter.
Prediction: Rincon in 3
Jaume Munar vs Pedro Martinez
Head-to-head: Martinez 2-0 Munar
Pedro Martinez is on the brink of the Top 100 and deservedly so. He’s won a hard court and clay court Challenger in the last three months and he reached the final of the hard court Challenger in Tenerife at the start of the year.
Though Jaume Munar is extremely difficult to put away, Martinez is a dangerous player and will feel confident playing aggressive on a hard court. Martinez won this match up in Brest in October and we think this one will go the same way.
Prediction: Martinez in 3
Benjamin Bonzi vs Michael Mmoh
Head-to-head: First meeting
Benjamin Bozni may be on a six-match losing streak but the Frenchman has been close in all of his matches against quality opponents. It’s good to see him close to firing on all cylinders after only playing sporadically last year.
Michael Mmoh is playing steadily and has taken down plenty of lower ranked opponents in the last few months but Bonzi has the game to take control of this one.
Prediction: Bonzi in 2
Andy Murray vs Benoit Paire
Head-to-head: Murray 3-0 Paire
Andy Murray has been beating himself. He’s not been enjoying his tennis and it’s shown on the court, his performance severely lacking in his loss to Tomas Martin Etcheverry at the Australian Open. He’s a dogged fighter, however, and will know he has to start winning to create any confidence on the court.
Against a very up and down opponent in Benoit Paire that also relies on variety, this is a great opportunity for Murray to pick himself back up.
Prediction: Murray in 3
Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
