The first ATP event after the Australian Open kicks off in the south of France, and, as is the norm, a whole host of Frenchmen are on the order of play in Montpellier on Monday, which has three main draw matches scheduled. As always, we offer our predictions on who will advance to the next round.

ATP Montpellier Day 1 Predictions
Adrian Mannarino vs Pedro Martinez

Head–to–Head: First Meeting

Based on their recent form, this should be a walk in the park for the Spaniard, who has begun the season in superb form with a 6-2 record, including a Challenger title in Bengaluru.

His opponent, veteran Adrian Mannarino, hasn’t won in a mammoth 11 matches, including four losses this season.  However, I sense this should be a bounce-back spot for the Frenchman, especially as he will have the local support against an opponent he is playing for the first time. Mannarino has also advanced at least one round in three of his last four Montpellier appearances, and he may extend that streak in 2026.

Give me Mannarino to bag his first win of 2026.
Prediction: Mannarino in 3

Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard vs Arthur Gea

Head–to–Head:  First Meeting

Arthur Gea was on a nine-match win streak before it ended in the Melbourne second round against veteran Stan Wawrinka, and the 21-year-old Frenchman will look to regroup and maintain momentum for the season.

Mpetshi Perricard reached back-to-back quarterfinals in Brisbane and Auckland before dropping his opener in Melbourne to Sebastian Baez.

With greater ATP experience and on an indoor hard court that suits his game, the world No. 61 is expected to advance without much trouble.
Prediction:  Mpetshi Perricard in 3

Roberto Bautista Agut vs Christopher O’ Connell

Head–to–Head: Bautista Agut 1 – 1 O’Connell

Bautista Agut remains one of the Tour’s most tactically disciplined baseliners, thriving in long rallies and forcing opponents into errors through consistency rather than power. O’Connell, in contrast, relies on strong serving patterns and first-strike tennis. With no meaningful head-to-head history to guide expectations, the contest is likely to be decided by who controls tempo from the baseline exchanges.

O’Connell can trouble Bautista Agut if he protects his serve and shortens points, but over-extended rallies, the Spaniard’s court craft and patience usually prevail. Expect a close encounter.
 Prediction: Bautista Agut in 3

Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports