The 2025 Montpellier Open (Open Occitanie), the first ATP 250 tournament after the Australian Open, promises thrilling action from January 27th to February 2nd. With a mix of established stars, promising talents, and hometown favorites, this year’s edition is set to deliver plenty of drama on the indoor hard courts of southern France.
Top seeds and wildcard surprises
World No. 5 Andrey Rublev headlines the draw as the top seed, entering the tournament as a late wildcard after an early exit at the Australian Open. Rublev will receive a first-round bye but faces a tricky potential second-round opponent in Christopher Eubanks, a Wimbledon quarterfinalist, or a qualifier.
Second seed Felix Auger-Aliassime, who also enjoys a first-round bye, could meet three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka in the second round. Wawrinka, who was granted a wildcard, will begin his campaign against home player Arthur Cazaux.
Returning champion Alexander Bublik, the fourth seed, also starts with a bye but faces a challenging second-round clash against either French wildcard Gregoire Barrere or Germany’s Dominik Koepfer.
French hopes and local showdowns
The Montpellier Open features a strong French contingent, much to the delight of local fans. Some of the most exciting matchups include:
- Richard Gasquet vs. Adrian Mannarino: Two veteran Frenchmen face off in what promises to be an emotional encounter as Gasquet competes in his farewell season.
- Arthur Rinderknech [7] vs. Harold Mayot: A battle of generations, with Rinderknech aiming to assert his experience over rising star Mayot.
- Quentin Halys [WC] vs. Jesper de Jong: Halys, given a wildcard, will look to capitalize on home support in his opening match.
Wildcards with star power
In addition to Rublev and Wawrinka, Quentin Halys and Gregoire Barrere were awarded wildcards to round out the French representation. With these additions, the tournament ensures a strong mix of local talent and international appeal.
Exciting matchups to watch
- Tallon Griekspoor [5] vs. Botic van de Zandschulp: The two Dutch Davis Cup teammates clash in an intriguing first-round matchup.
- Yunchaokete Bu [8] vs. Daniel Altmaier: The young Chinese player continues to build his reputation but faces a tough opener against the experienced German.
- Borna Coric vs. Qualifier: Coric, always a dark horse, will look to make a deep run in Montpellier.
Key players to watch
- Andrey Rublev [1]: After an early Australian Open exit, Rublev is hungry for redemption and a strong start to his post-Melbourne campaign.
- Stan Wawrinka [WC]: The Swiss veteran and oldest player in the draw remains a fan favorite, but his path is challenging with a likely clash against Auger-Aliassime in the second round.
- Alexander Bublik [4]: The defending champion will need to overcome tough early opponents to retain his title.
Full draw highlights
- Top seeds: Andrey Rublev [1], Felix Auger-Aliassime [2], Flavio Cobolli [3], Alexander Bublik [4].
- Key matchups: Gasquet vs. Mannarino, Griekspoor vs. van de Zandschulp, Wawrinka vs. Cazaux.
What to expect
With a mix of established stars and hungry up-and-comers, the 2025 Montpellier Open promises high-quality tennis and intriguing storylines. Local fans will cheer for their French favorites, while players like Rublev and Wawrinka aim to make a statement on their road to a potential title.