ATP 250 Montpellier 1/16-Finals
Basilashvili – Kukushkin: 29.01.2025 Time TBA
H2H: 1-1
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 won the opening qualifying round against Gigante in straight sets. He trailed 0-3 in the second set but successfully turned it around. Today, in the final qualifying round, Droguet retired late in the deciding set against Nikoloz. His last appearance here was in 2023, losing against Barrere in the second round. This is his seventh appearance in Montpellier. He has never made it past the second round.
Mikhail Kukushkin has lost three of his last five matches. Last week in Quimper, Mikhail lost in the second round against Droguet in straight sets. Before that, Kukushkin failed to qualify for the main draw tournament of the Australian Open, losing against Lajal in straight sets. Mikhail turns 38 this year, and his body can not keep up with the highest level of tennis. This is his third appearance in Montpellier. He has never made it past the first round.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Basilashvili is the slight favorite in this matchup, and we agree. He is slowly but surely getting back to his best form. Mikhail is struggling with his form and has never had any success in Montpellier. We expect Basilashvili to win against Mikhail easily.
That being said, Basilashvili winning is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Nikoloz Basilashvili winning @1.62 @bet365
Kovacevic – Goffin: 29.01.2025 Time TBA
H2H: 0-1
Aleksandar Kovacevic has won four of his last five matches. Last week in Oeiras, Kovacevic won the Challenger title, defeating Piros in the final in straight sets. This week in Quimper, Aleksandar lost against Martineau in the second round in straight sets. In Montpellier, Kovacevic defeated Bertrand in the opening qualifying round. He struggled with his serve, offering nine breakpoints. Today, in the final qualifying round, Kovacevic defeated Carreno-Busta in straight sets. He offered and saved two breakpoints. This is his first appearance in Montpellier.
David Goffin has lost five straight matches. His last win was over three months ago in Basel. So far this season, David has played three tournaments and lost every time in the opening round. Two weeks ago in Melbourne, Goffin lost in the opening round of the Australian Open against Bonzi in straight sets, as we predicted. This is his eighth appearance in Montpellier. His biggest result was winning the title in 2022.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, this will be a 50-50 match, but we disagree. Goffin has struggled a lot for the last couple of weeks and has been winless for over three months. On the other hand, Kovacevic has already played two qualifying matches and won both in straight sets easily. We expect him to be a better player and dominate from the start.
That being said, Kovacevic winning is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Aleksandar Kovacevic winning @1.83 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
