ATP 250 Montpellier 1/16-Finals
Eubanks – Kachmazov: 28.01.2025 12:30 CEST
H2H: first meeting
Christopher Eubanks has lost three of his last five matches. Last week in Oeiras, Eubanks lost in the opening round of the Challenger tournament in straight sets. Before that, Chris failed to qualify for the main draw tournament of the Australian Open. The former top-30 player has been struggling with his form for a while. He is outside the top 100 and hopes for a solid result this week. This is his first appearance in Montpellier. Around this time last year, Eubanks played in Dallas, losing in the second round against Duckworth in straight sets.
Alibek Kachmazov has won three of his last five matches. Last week in Quimper, He lost in the opening round of the Challenger tournament against Kovacevic in straight sets. In Montpellier, Alibek successfully qualified for the main draw tournament. Today, in the final qualifying round, He lost the opening set against Grenier 6-7, but he stepped up his level and successfully turned the match around. The young Russian spent most of the last season playing at the Challenger Tour level. This is his first appearance in Montpellier.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Eubanks is the favorite in this matchup, but we disagree. Chris has never had remarkable results in Europe and is in terrible form. On the other hand, Kachmazov is an upcoming talent who thrives under these conditions. We expect him to win this match.
That being said, Kachmazov winning @2.38 @bet365
Coric – Lestienne: 28.01.2025 14:00 CEST
H2H: first meeting
Borna Coric has lost four of his last five matches. Coric had a disappointing 2024 season. The former world number 12 has struggled with his form for a while. Last week in Quimper, Coric lost in the opening round against Berankis in straight sets. A week before, Borna was disappointed at the Australian Open, losing against Garin in straight sets in the opening round. Last year in Montpellier, Borna lost in the final against Bublik in three tight sets. This is his fifth appearance in the tournament.
Corentin Lestienne has won three of his last five matches. Last week in Quimper, he lost in the second round of the Challenger tournament against Moller in straight sets. In Montpellier, Corentin successfully qualified for the main draw tournament. He won both of his qualifying matches against his compatriots in straight sets. In the final qualifying round, Lestienne defeated Atmane in straight sets today. Last year in Montpellier, Lestienne lost in the second round against Cobolli in straight sets.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Coric is the slight favorite in this matchup, and we agree. Borna is in terrible form, but so was he last year when he reached the final. He loves to play in Montpellier, and we expect him to defeat Lestienne, who has also been struggling with his form.
That being said, Coric winning is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Borna Coric winning @1.62 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
