Wawrinka Secures Historic Win in Montpellier Today
In a day packed with drama at the ATP Montpellier Open, also known as the Open Occitanie, tennis fans witnessed veteran prowess, young talent's heartbreak, and nail-biting comebacks. As the 2026 season heats up on indoor hard courts, today's tennis scores highlighted the timeless appeal of the sport. Stan Wawrinka etched his name in the history books, while Aleksandar Kovacevic and Adrian Mannarino advanced with gritty performances. Here's a deep dive into the key matches and what they mean for the tournament.
Stan Wawrinka: A Veteran’s Masterclass Against the Young Guns
At 40 years old and in what he's announced as his final season on the ATP Tour, Stan Wawrinka showed he's still got the fire. The Swiss star defeated 22-year-old Hamad Medjedovic 7-6(3), 6-4 in the opening round, becoming the oldest player to secure a tour-level win indoors outside of Davis Cup play since Ken Rosewall achieved the feat at 45 in Melbourne back in 1980. This historic victory, clocking in at one hour and 38 minutes, underscores Wawrinka's enduring passion for the game.
Wawrinka, a three-time Grand Slam champion, relied on his vast experience in this first-ever Lexus ATP Head2Head encounter. According to Infosys ATP Stats, he won 83 percent of his first-serve points (24/29), a testament to his precise serving under pressure. He also saved four out of five break points, including a pivotal hold at 5-5, 30/40 in the first set tiebreak. "I always enjoy [playing]. I’m still passionate about the game," Wawrinka said post-match. "For me, it was important to keep pushing myself and trying to win as much as possible."
Medjedovic, a rising Serbian talent, put up a fight but couldn't crack the code against Wawrinka's tactical acumen. The young player's aggressive baseline play kept the set close, but Wawrinka's net approaches and drop shots proved decisive. This win not only boosts Wawrinka's confidence but also sets up a mouthwatering second-round clash with defending champion Felix Auger-Aliassime. For Wawrinka, it's a chance to add another chapter to his storied career in what could be his last hurrah at this ATP 250 event.
Why This Matters for Wawrinka's Legacy
Wawrinka's performance is more than just a win; it's a reminder of tennis's ageless appeal. In an era dominated by twenty-somethings like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, veterans like Wawrinka prove that experience can trump youth. His stats highlight a return to form—efficient serving and mental fortitude—that could see him string together more deep runs before hanging up his racquet.
Aleksandar Kovacevic Halts Moise Kouame’s Breakthrough Dream
In another compelling matchup, eighth seed Aleksandar Kovacevic came from behind to defeat 16-year-old French wildcard Moise Kouame 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-2 after one hour and 54 minutes. Kovacevic, who reached the final here last year, spoiled what could have been a landmark moment for the teenager, who was gunning to become the seventh man this century to win a tour-level match before turning 17.
Kouame, the youngest player to qualify for an ATP event since Rudolf Molleker in 2017, electrified the home crowd with his fearless play in the opening set. He outplayed Kovacevic early, winning the tiebreak with bold forehands and quick footwork. But the American settled in, winning 82 percent of his first-serve points (41/50) and facing just one break point all match—which he saved in the final game. "He was outplaying me in the first set," Kovacevic admitted. "I didn't feel super comfortable... And then I got settled in a little bit and I think he dropped his level just a tad. It's tough to play a player like that."
This marks Kovacevic's fourth tour-level win of 2026 and positions him for a rematch against French qualifier Titouan Droguet, who handed him a defeat in last week's Quimper Challenger. For Kouame, the loss is a learning curve; his qualification run showcased raw potential, drawing comparisons to other teen prodigies. Yet, in the high-stakes world of ATP tennis, experience often prevails.
The Rise of Kouame: France’s Next Big Thing?
Moise Kouame's story is one of inspiration amid disappointment. At just 16, his journey through qualifying signals a bright future for French tennis, already rich with talents like Arthur Fils and Gael Monfils. Analysts see echoes of a young Richard Gasquet in his elegant stroke play, but today's result emphasizes the need for consistency against seasoned pros. Keep an eye on him in juniors and challengers—he could be back stronger.
Adrian Mannarino’s Epic Save Against Fellow Frenchman Ugo Humbert
The all-French showdown between Adrian Mannarino and fifth seed Ugo Humbert delivered pure thriller tennis. Mannarino, the 37-year-old veteran, saved three match points to upset Humbert 6-7(4), 6-4, 7-6(4), reaching his 63rd tour-level quarterfinal—his first since Chengdu in 2024.
Humbert, known for his powerful lefty serve, dominated the first set tiebreak, but Mannarino's crafty variations and resilience turned the tide. He broke Humbert in the second set and held firm in a tense third, clinching the tiebreak with precise returning. This victory extends Mannarino's strong form on indoor surfaces and sets up a quarterfinal against either Arthur Gea or Tomas Machac.
Mannarino's comeback highlights his mental toughness, a trait that's defined his 500+ match career. For Humbert, it's a setback in what’s been a breakout year, but his aggressive style keeps him in the top-20 conversation.
Tournament Implications and Broader Tennis Landscape
Today's results at Montpellier paint a picture of a tournament blending generations. Wawrinka's historic win adds nostalgia, Kovacevic's rally shows depth in the rankings, and Mannarino's grit ensures upsets are always possible. As the draw progresses, expect Auger-Aliassime to defend his title amid stiff competition.
Looking ahead, these scores reflect the ATP Tour's global appeal, especially for US fans tuning into European indoor events as a prelude to hard-court swings like Indian Wells. With Infosys ATP Stats revealing high first-serve efficiencies across the board, serve dominance will be key. Stay tuned for tomorrow's action—tennis scores today set the stage for more excitement.
In summary, Wawrinka's milestone, Kouame's valiant effort, and Mannarino's heroics made for unforgettable viewing. Whether you're a die-hard fan or casual follower, today's tennis delivered on drama and skill.
