The Australian Open hot up, and fans of tennis are in for a quarterfinal showdown between Tommy Paul and Alexander Zverev. Both players have been at their incredible best in Melbourne. This match is bound to see some overwhelming rallies, tactical play, and flashes of brilliance. Now, will the underdog Paul make yet another win in the head-to-head, or is Zverev going to prove why he's World No. 2? Let's break it all down.
Claim Welcome BonusTommy Paul
Tommy Paul has been flying under the radar with his fantastic run in this year's Australian Open. The ATP No. 11-ranked American came from a scare in an opening five-set thriller against Christopher O'Connell but has only gotten stronger since then. Straight set victories in the following rounds, particularly against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, have shown him at his baseline game and serving much improved.
The Round of 16 was almost faultless by Paul, who registered 8 aces, saved 100% of the break points, and converted 7 out of his own break opportunities. The consistency in returning serves-53% of the points won-will make him a tough nut to crack for Zverev, who is able to thrive on his dominant service games. What's more, Paul comes into this court with a psychological edge, having beaten Zverev twice before.
Alexander Zverev
The towering German Alexander Zverev has sailed through this Australian Open, performing with clinical efficiency. In the process, the ATP World No. 2 didn't drop a single set and sent Lucas Pouille and Pedro Martinez flying. Zverev's show in the Round of 16 was all about his lethal first serve, which clicked at 72%, and he saved 66% of break points under pressure.
However, Zverev's return game may need some tuning as he won only 38% of first-serve return points in his last match. The German will have to get used to it in a hurry against the high first-serve success rate of Paul. Down 0-2 in head-to-heads, the experience of Grand Slams and the powerful baseline game of Zverev make him a formidable opponent.
Expert Betting Tips
Over 36 Total Games @ 1.6 Odds on 1xbet:
Players performing really well, this promises to be quite a closely watched match. Players do tend to serve powerful and strong serves, and could drag out their matches, very weary.
Tommy Paul to win First Set @ 2.50 Odds on Betway:
Paul has been very good versus Zverev and takes at least one set here, playing with that kind of confident momentum.
Alexander Zverev to Win by -4.5 Handicap @ 1.83 Odds on Bet365:
While Paul has beaten Zverev before, the German's greater experience in Grand Slam matches gives him an edge in moments of
crunch.
Other predictions
