The second day of the tournament at the ATP Montpellier event includes a four-time champion playing what could be his final match at the event in one of six contests are scheduled for day. As ever, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match including Christopher Eubanks vs Alibek Kachmazov. But who will book their slot in the second round?
ATP Montpellier Day 2 Predictions
Borna Coric vs Constant Lestienne
Head-to-head: first meeting
This match-up presents a clash of styles. Borna Coric has built his career on his consistency from the baseline, whereas Constant Lestienne has been an unpredictable player throughout his career. That sort of variety and unpredictability is not a style that Coric naturally likes playing against. However, Coric’s game should still hold up against Lestienne, who all-to rarely maintains his focus for an entire match.
Prediction: Coric in 2
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Lucas Pouille vs Mattia Bellucci
Head-to-head: first meeting
Mattia Bellucci made impressive improvements in 2024 but has made a slow start to 2024, managing just one qualifying win in his opening three tournaments. Lucas Pouille, meanwhile, is not the player he once was, and every ATP victory he can manage is valuable. He might just be well-set for one such win ehre though. Conditions in Montpellier suit his game better than the Brazilian’s, who prefers using the outdoor elements to his advantage (and ideally to be playing on a slower court).
Prediction: Pouille in 3
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Richard Gasquet vs Adrian Mannarino
Head-to-head: Gasquet 3-1 Mannrino
Both men have struggled for victories for close to a year.Adrian Mannarino’s sudden drop in the last 12 months after the best period of his career has been sudden and surprising (though it should be noted he is now 36). Facing his 38-year-old compatriot on an indoor court looks like a decent chance for a valuable victory. Richard Gasquet’s style of hitting with a lot of spin is a bad matchup for Mannarino, but the conditions will help Mannarino deal with that to some extent. Still, Gasquet, who plans to retire at this year’s French Open, might just have a little more magic left in his racket than Mannarino.
Prediction: Gasquet in 3
Main photo credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
