click here for the Eastbourne Herald

Robert Stéphane

June 2010 | by Monticelli

The French ace began the 2010 full of promise, reaching his first ATP Tour final after turning professional in 2001.

But 2009 has not yet been his breakthrough year and with a shocking lack recent  is unlikely to be a player that opponents fear. Yet to break into the world's top 60.

Had a fabulous run in February 2010 by surprisingly reaching the final at Johannesburg then winning a Challenger event in Tangier.

But his fine form soon deserted him and the French veteran was knocked out in the opening round in the previous five tournaments leading up to Eastbourne - falling at the first hurdle at Roland Garros, the Madrid Masters, Munich, Barcelona and Monte Carlo - with his last victory in the first round at Casablanca in April 2010.

Only won two matches on grass courts, the first round of qualifying for Wimbledon in 2004 and 2009, so is unlikely to add to this tally at Devonshire Park. 

Reached first round of 2010 French Open.

Realistic chances of winning // No hope and unlikely to get past the opening round.