Fifth seed Ugo Humbert returned to defend the title in Metz and will play compatriot Hugo Gaston in the first round. The winner will face Zizu Bergs or Arthur Cazaux next. Below is our prediction for this match.
Hugo Gaston has scored just three wins in his last 10 matches, which highlights his fickleness this season. The Frenchman lost half of his 60 matches, alternating performances on tours and challengers. He is currently on a two-game losing streak and recently crashed out in the first round in Paris, ranking 78th. The 24-year-old has lost 12 of his last 17 matches on hard courts.
Ugo Humbert won the title in Metz last year and is confidently approaching the defense of his title. He has 39 wins this season, reached the finals in four tournaments and won two titles. He recently became a finalist at the Paris Masters and is currently ranked 14th in the ATP. One of his victories this year was the game against Gaston on the way to the championship in Marseille. The 26-year-old tennis player has won 18 victories on hard courts.