ATP 250 Montpellier semifinals
De Jong – Auger-Aliassime: 01.02.2025 15:00 CEST
H2H: first meeting
Jesper De Jong has won 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. He trailed 1-4 in the second set and saved one set point but successfully turned it around. Today, in the quarterfinals, Jesper upset Griekspoor in straight sets, as we predicted. Last year in Montpellier, Jesper lost in the opening qualifying round against Blanchet in straight sets.
Felix Auger-Aliassime has won four of his last five matches. A few weeks ago in Adelaide, Felix won the title, winning against Korda in the final in three tight sets. With this title, Felix now has six ATP titles under his name. This week in Montpellier, Felix won the second-round match against Cazaux in straight sets. He trailed 2-5 in the second set tiebreak but turned it around. Today, in the quarterfinals, Auger-Aliassime won against Bu in straight sets. Last year in Montpellier, Felix reached the semifinals, losing against Bublik in three tight sets.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, de Jong is the big underdog in this matchup, but we disagree. Jesper showed great tennis this week in Montpellier. We expect him to put up a big fight against Felix. This will be an interesting 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 +4.5 games handicap @1.73 @bet365
Rublev – Kovacevic: 01.02.2025 16:30 CEST
H2H: first meeting
Andrey Rublev has lost three 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. As we predicted, Rublev defeated Eubanks in straight sets in the second round. He offered and saved three breakpoints. Today, in the quarterfinals, Basilashvili retired in the first set against Rublev. It is his second appearance in Montpellier.
Aleksandar Kovacevic has won five straight matches. Kovacevic won the Challenger title two weeks ago in Oeiras, defeating Piros in the final in straight sets. In Montpellier, Kovacevic successfully qualified for the main draw tournament. As we predicted, Aleksandar defeated Goffin in three tight sets in the opening main draw round. Kovacevic won against Bellucci in three sets, as we had predicted in the second round. Alexander Bublik also had no answer for Aleksandar’s game. Kovacevic won in straight sets, as we had predicted. It is his first appearance in Montpellier.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Kovacevic is the big underdog in this matchup, but we disagree. Rublev has been struggling with his form for the last couple of weeks. On the other hand, Kovacevic is fully confident. He defeated the defending champion easily today. We expect him to put up a big fight and keep this match tight.
That being said, Kovacevic covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Aleksandar Kovacevic +3.5 games handicap @1.73 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
