Medjedovic vs. Wawrinka, Kovacevic vs. Kouame: Montpellier R1 Previews & Predictions
On Wednesday, the first round of the Montpellier Open will feature exciting matchups, with notable players Stan Wawrinka and Hamad Medjedovic facing off, along with Aleksandar Kovacevic taking on Moise Kouame.
Match Previews: Medjedovic vs. Wawrinka
The clash between Hamad Medjedovic and Stan Wawrinka is highly anticipated. Both players are unseeded but talented, with Medjedovic having a strong indoor hard-court record. The winner will advance to challenge top seed Felix Auger-Aliassime.
Wawrinka, a 40-year-old veteran from Switzerland, recently performed well at the Australian Open, reaching the third round. However, the toll of 13 challenging sets may impact his performance. Conversely, Medjedovic, aged 22, has already celebrated 40 victories on indoor surfaces, including a triumph at the NextGen ATP Finals in 2023. His youth and energy could give him an edge, especially in a potential three-set match.
- Matchup: Wawrinka vs. Medjedovic
- Wawrinka’s Recent Performance: Reached third round at Australian Open
- Medjedovic’s Career Highlights: 40 indoor hard-court wins, NextGen ATP Finals champion
Prediction
An intense encounter is expected, with a prediction favoring Medjedovic in three sets.
Match Previews: Kovacevic vs. Kouame
Aleksandar Kovacevic will face qualifier Moise Kouame in another intriguing first-round matchup. Kovacevic was a standout player in last year’s Montpellier Open, where he upset Andrey Rublev in the semifinals and reached the final. However, he has struggled with consistency in 2026, with a mixed record in recent tournaments.
On the other hand, Kouame, a 16-year-old Frenchman, is making his ATP debut after securing his spot through impressive qualifying matches. He boasts a perfect 12-0 record this season, having won two Futures titles, both on indoor hard courts.
- Matchup: Kovacevic vs. Kouame
- Kovacevic’s Previous Achievement: Finalist in Montpellier last year
- Kouame’s Recent Success: 12-0 season record, two Futures titles
Prediction
Despite the pressure to defend finalist points, Kovacevic’s experience should help him navigate this match against the younger Kouame, with a prediction of Kovacevic winning in three sets.
