The French Open first round on May 25 features several players looking to take advantage of favourable matchups in Paris. Ugo Humbert appears well-positioned against struggling compatriot Adrian Mannarino, while Terence Atmane should benefit from Thanasi Kokkinakis’ lack of fitness and match rhythm. Meanwhile, Ben Shelton faces a potentially tricky clash against clay-court specialist Daniel Merida Aguilar, who could keep the contest closer than the odds suggest.
ATP French Open 1/64-Finals
Humbert – Mannarino: 25.05.2026 15:00 CEST
H2H: 1-3
Ugo Humbert has won three of his last five matches. Last week in Hamburg, the Frenchman lost to Buse in the quarterfinals, 3 tight sets. He has never made it past the second round at the French Open.
Adrian Mannarino has lost eight straight matches. His last win was over two months ago. So far this season, the Frenchman has played seven clay-court matches and lost all of them. Since 2019, Mannarino has not made it past the opening round.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Humbert is the clear favourite in this matchup, and we agree. He played well in Hamburg and is a better clay-court player than Mannarino. We expect him to win comfortably.
That being said, Humbert covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Ugo Humbert -6.5 games handicap @1.73 @bet365
Kokkinakis – Atmane: 25.05.2026 13:00 CEST
H2H: 0-1
Thanasi Kokkinakis has won three of his last five matches. Two weeks ago in Zagreb, the Australian withdrew from the opening match against Alexandrescou. He was injured for most of the season and is now ranked outside the top 800.
Terence Atmane has lost four of his last five matches. Last week in Hamburg, the Frenchman lost to Etcheverry in the opening round in straight sets. He has never made it past the opening round at the French Open.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Atmane is the favourite in this matchup, and we agree. Kokkinakis is still not fully fit, especially when playing at a Grand Slam. We expect Atmane to dominate physically and win.
That being said, Atmane covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Terence Atmane -4.5 games handicap @1.81 @bet365
Merida Aguilar – Shelton: 25.05.2026 16:00 CEST
H2H: first meeting
Daniel Merida Aguilar has lost three of his last five matches. The last match he played was in Valencia, where he lost to Kovacevic in the opening round.
Ben Shelton has lost three of his last five matches. Last week in Hamburg, Shelton lost to Altmaier in the 1/8-Finals in three tight sets. Last season in Paris, the American lost to Alcaraz in the fourth round in four tight sets.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Shelton is the clear favourite in this matchup, but we disagree. He rarely succeeds on clay courts. On the other hand, the Spaniard spent most of his career on clay. Merida Aguilar is confident and is playing his best tennis. We expect him to keep this match close.
That being said, Merida Aguilar covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Daniel Merida Aguilar +5.5 games handicap @1.80 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
