ATP Masters in Miami, quarter-finals, Thursday, 31.03.2022
So a German representative makes it to the quarter-finals of the Miami Open 2022 – and then the alarm clock has to be set for 3 a.m. to be able to follow his match? The real Zverev fans will not find it difficult to get up.
The Olympic champion has fought his way into the tournament and is now determined to reach the top four. In the quarter-finals, an opponent awaits whom he defeated three times in 2021.
Read my Ruud Zverev tip to find out whether this is the reason for the relatively clear odds!
He fights back against his critics who predict a difficult year for him in 2022! Alexander Zverev has learned from his last few performances and is focused and confident in Miami.
An early failure at the Australian Open, losing a final in France, the disqualification in Acapulco and the embarrassment of Indian Wells: it really is time to finally ensure a first sense of achievement.
His Masters in Miami had started a bit shaky with a 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 against Borna Coric, Zverev showed that he still sometimes needs a mixed match to get going in a tournament.
His 6-2, 6-2 win over Mackenzie McDonald was much better. In the round of 16, he finally beat Thanasi Kokkinakis 6-4, 6-4. Are these performances enough to defeat Casper Ruud as well?
The service game is strong in that he only gave up three break chances in three rounds. But it was unusual to see him only manage four aces against Kokkinakis.
It seems as if he is using his strength in doses and according to his opponent. For the second time after 2018, Zverev could now reach the semi-finals in Miami. Then as now: a win against Borna Coric, which could well prove to be a good omen.
When the world No. 4 thinks back to last year, he should have only good memories of Casper Ruud. In Acapulco, the Norwegian had to withdraw injured, but in Cincinnati and Paris they finally dueled on court.
Both duels went smoothly to the German, so the score is 3:0. It is also interesting that each encounter took place in a quarter-final, as was the case on Thursday. Consequently, Zverev is the clear favourite with odds around 1.35.
But you shouldn’t underestimate Casper Ruud at all, at the latest after his performances in Miami. The Norwegian is in really good form and has not yet dropped a single set in the tournament.
While a 6-1, 6-2 win over Henri Laaksonen was not overrated, a 6-3, 6-2 win over Alexander Bublik was surprising in its clarity. But Ruud played even better in the round of 16.
Cameron Norrie was completely without a chance, losing 3-6, 4-6. Although especially the last two wins impressed, I have to briefly mention the second serve.
25% against Bublik and 36% against Norrie? Alexander Zverev gets more percentage points in one match than Ruud in two! At 1.83m, the 23-year-old is much shorter than his German rival, so this could be a decisive disadvantage on serve.
My Ruud Zverev tip
Alexander Zverev has fought his way into the tournament strongly, but now has to show that he can bring that aplomb onto the court against top stars. Casper Ruud will be the first really strong opponent.
It’s not for nothing that the Norwegian is still without a set loss and also gave Cameron Norrie no chance. Therefore my tip is:
We see more than 20.5 games!
