The French Open first round on May 25 features several experienced names facing dangerous opponents and rising talents. Andrey Rublev will need to be sharp against in-form clay-court specialist Ignacio Buse, while Marin Cilic’s experience should give him a clear edge over teenage wildcard Moise Kouame. Meanwhile, Matteo Berrettini enters Paris struggling for form, which could make Marton Fucsovics’ matchup far more competitive than the odds suggest.
ATP French Open 1/64-Finals
Buse – Rublev: 25.05.2026 14:30 CEST
H2H: first meeting
Ignacio Buse has won six straight matches. Last week in Hamburg, Buse lost to Paul in the final. This is his debut campaign in the main draw of the French Open. Last season, the Chilean lost in the opening qualifying round.
Andrey Rublev has won three of his last five matches. Last week in Rome, Rublev lost to Sinner in the quarterfinals in straight sets. He was the quarterfinalist here twice. Last season, the Russian lost to Sinner in the fourth round.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Buse is the underdog in this matchup, but we disagree. He is in great form and a solid clay-court player. We expect a tough match that could go either way.
That being said, Buse covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Ignacio Buse +4.5 games handicap @1.91 @bet365
Cilic – Kouame: Time TBA
H2H: first meeting
Marin Cilic has lost three of his last five matches. The last match he played was in Rome, where he lost to Landaluce in the second round in straight sets. He was the semifinalist here in 2022. Last season, the Croat lost to Cobolli in the opening round in straight sets.
Moise Kouame has lost three of his last five matches. He is a 17-year-old who has been granted a wild card for this week’s tournament in Paris.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Cilic is the favourite in this matchup, and we agree. He is one of the most experienced players in the draw at the French Open this year. On the other hand, Kouame is a teenager making his Grand Slam debut. We expect Cilic to dominate on his serve, and his experience will prevail in this match.
That being said, Cilic covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Marin CIlic -4.5 games handicap @1.80 @bet365
Fucsovics – Berrettini: 25.05.2026 11:00 CEST
H2H: 1-3
Marton Fucsovics has lost four of his last five matches. The last match he played was in Rome, where he lost to Prizmic in the opening match in straight sets. Last season in Paris, the Hungarian lost to Paul in the second round in five sets.
Matteo Berrettini has lost three of his last five matches. Last week in Valencia, the Italian lost to Ugo Carabelli in the 1/8-Finals in straight sets. The last time he played at the French Open was in 2021, when he lost to Djokovic in the quarterfinals.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Berrettini is the favourite in this matchup, but we disagree. He is in terrible form and is now ranked outside the top 100. On the other hand, Fucsovics is always a tough opponent on clay. We expect him to keep this match close.
That being said, Fucsovics covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Marton Fucsovics -3.5 games handicap @1.91 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
