ATP 250 Montpellier quarterfinals
Rublev – Basilashvili: 31.01.2025 18:30 CEST
H2H: 3-3
Andrey Rublev has lost four of the last five matches. At the beginning of the season, Rublev was upset by Marozsan in the opening round of the ATP Hong Kong against Marozsan in three tight sets. Two weeks ago in Melbourne, Rublev lost in the opening round of the Australian Open against Fonseca. In the second round, Rublev defeated Eubanks in straight sets, as we predicted. He offered and saved three breakpoints. It is his second appearance in Montpellier.
Nikoloz Basilashvili has won four of his last five matches. Last week in Oeiras, Nikoloz reached the quarterfinals of the Challenger tournament, losing against Blockx in straight sets. In Montpellier, Nikoloz successfully qualified for the main draw tournament. In the opening main draw round, Nikoloz was 5-0 up in the deciding set against Kukushkin when Mikhail retired. Today, in the second round, Basilashvili defeated Rinderknech in straight sets, as we predicted. His last appearance here was in 2023, losing against Barrere in the second round.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Rublev is the big favorite in this matchup, but we disagree. Nikoloz has played his best tennis in Montpellier. He is always a dangerous opponent on fast courts like this. We expect a very tight match that could go either way.
That being said, Basilashvili covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Nikoloz Basilashvili +3.5 games handicap @1.85 @bet365
De Jong – Griekspoor: 31.01.2025 16:00 CEST
H2H: first meeting
Jesper De Jong has lost three of his last five matches. Last week in Oeiras, Jesper lost against Draxl in straight sets under conditions similar to Montpellier’s. This week in Montpellier, Halys retired in the second set against de Jong in the opening round. In the second round, de Jong defeated Cobolli as we predicted today. He trailed 1-4 in the second set and saved one set point but successfully turned it around. Last year in Montpellier, Jesper lost in the opening qualifying round against Blanchet in straight sets. He has been lurking around the top 100 rankings for a while. He hopes to get there this season.
Tallon Griekspoor has won three of his last five matches. So far this season, Griekspoor has only played in the Australian Open. As we predicted, he lost in the opening round against Hurkacz in straight sets. In Montpellier, Griekspoor defeated Van de Zandschulp in straight sets. He won the most important points of the match and deservedly won 2-0. Today, in the second round, Griekspoor won against Gasquet in three sets. Last season, Griekspoor did not have any remarkable results.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Griekspoor is the favorite in this matchup, but we disagree. De Jong played two solid matches in Montpellier so far. On the other hand, Griekspoor struggled against Gasquet today. We expect a very tight match that could go either way.
That being said, de Jong covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Jesper de Jong +3.5 games handicap @1.82 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
