This could be a classic all-Gallic clash. Big-serving lefty Ugo Humbert appears to be getting his season back on track. Humbert started the season in solid fashion, reaching the 4th round at the Aussie Open before defending his Marseille crown.
2025 ATP Tour
Grand Slam Tennis
Wimbledon Tennis Championships
All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, England (Outdoor Grass-court)
Selected 1st Round Matches- 1st June
Ugo Humbert (18) 0.39 vs Gael Monfils 1.95
Humbert went into a lull after that and really suffered during the clay-court swing. But he bounced back on his more favoured grass, reaching the semifinals of the Libema Open and last week’s Lexus Eastbourne Open. The 2021 Halle champ reached the 4th round here last season and will feel confident of progression. This could possibly be Gael Monfils’ last appearance at SW19. Monfils- like Humbert- started the season brilliantly, winning in Auckland before a 4th round run in Melbourne. He went 5-2 during the ‘Sunshine Double’ but suffered during the clay-court swing. He then went on to lose both of his grass-court precursor matches. Monfils has never been overly comfortable on grass, reaching just one grass-court final in his career (the 2017 Eastbourne International). In fact, Monfils has only reached the 2nd week at Wimbledon once in 13 attempts.
The Verdict: Humbert to win in straight sets at 1.85– Humbert leads the head-to-head 3-2, winning their only previous grass-court meeting here back in 2019. Monfils won their most recent clash, triumphing in three sets at last year’s Shanghai Masters. Humbert has developed into a well-rounded grass-court competitor and his direct brand of tennis should be too much for Monfils (especially on these skiddy surfaces). Humbert’s big serve and strong net-play will rush veteran Monfils.
