French Open 2022, Quarterfinals, Tuesday, 31.05.2022
The Olympic champion meets arguably the best, most complete player in the world at the moment – it’s a shame that this clash on Tuesday at the French Open 2022 is already in the quarter-finals and one of them has to go home.
When the number 3 meets the number 6, it won’t keep any spectator on the edge of their seat. The bookies have a clear favourite. In my Zverev Alcaraz tip, I reveal why I assume a Spanish triumph.
Will he finally get rid of the now infamous curse? Alexander Zverev has celebrated countless successes and titles in his career, beating almost every player in the world. There is only one thing he has not yet managed to do: defeat a top 10 star at a Grand Slam.
He has to cope with defeats from tournament to tournament, and on Tuesday he wants to take his next chance. Considering that the year 2022 has not yet gone according to plan and the German is without a trophy, he is doing more than well in Paris.
After his 6-2, 6-4, 6-4 opening defeat of Sebastian Ofner, he was on the brink of elimination, but just managed to save himself against Sebastian Baez with a 2-6, 4-6, 6-1, 6-2, 7-5, even fending off a match point against him.
He won outright again against Brandon Nakashima in Round 3, but the 7-6, 6-3, 7-6 result showed that Zverev is not yet at his best. In the round of 16, Zverev was lucky to win against Bernabe Zapata Miralles.
After a hard-fought 7-6 in the first set, Zverev became stronger and stronger, winning the following two sets 7-5, 6-3. Compared to the 3rd round, his service stats went down significantly.
He won only 53% of his first serve points, which means he will hardly stand a chance against Carlos Alcaraz. On the other hand, he converted eight out of nine break chances and made the most of the decisive moments.
After 2021, the Olympic champion wants to reach the semi-finals of the French Open for the second time. Will last year be a good omen? Back then, he defeated Alejandro Davidovich-Fokina, a Spaniard, in the round of the best eight.
Of course, the German fans haven’t forgotten how chanceless the 25-year-old was a few weeks ago. In the final in Madrid, he lost 3-6, 1-6. Nevertheless, thanks to two wins in 2021, he still leads 2:1 in the direct balance.
Will Alcaraz now be able to equalise? Everything is currently focused on the new shooting star, who at just 19 is on the verge of establishing himself among the world elite. He has already reached sixth place, but hardly anyone doubts that the number one will soon light up.
Zverev has the highest respect for his young colleague, but he also complained: “Everything is only concerned with Alcaraz. He is not entirely wrong, because the youngster is the only top star to serve almost continuously on Centre Court.
He has already won three Masters in 2022, now he wants to win his first Grand Slam title. Hard to believe that Alcaraz almost bowed out in the 2nd round.
At 6-1, 6-7, 5-7, 7-6, 6-4 against Albert Ramos, he fended off match points and impressed with nerves of steel at a young age. Afterwards, the machinery kept running as if this 2nd round had cost him no energy.
He won 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 against Sebastian Korda, then swept Karen Khachanov off the court with a 6-1, 6-4, 6-4. Apart from that ominous 2nd round, he conceded a single break, producing just four double faults in all.
Unfortunately, I have to agree with this prediction after my analysis. The Olympic champion’s performances were good, but not excellent. Carlos Alcaraz only wobbled once briefly, outclassed his other opponents.
With his personal curse now added to the mix, I expect the following tip:
Alcaraz wins at Under 43.5 Games!
