Stefanos Tsitasipas and Alexander Zverev will be squaring off for the eighth time in their careers and for second time this season when they clash in the French Open semifinals on Friday afternoon.
Zverev won their most recent meeting 6-4, 7-6(3) in the Acapulco final three months ago, but Tsitsipas still leads the head-to-head series 5-2. The Greek got the best of their only previous clay-court encounter via a 7-5, 3-6, 6-2 decision at the 2019 Madrid Masters. Tsitsipas is 5-1 at Zverev’s expense since losing their first matchup at the 2018 Washington, D.C. event.
With both players in outstanding form, a high-quality affair can be expected. The three clay-court Masters events leading into Roland Garros were split by Tsitsipas, Zverev, and Rafael Nadal. Tsitsipas also came within one point of upsetting Nadal in the Barcelona final and he captured a 250 title in Lyon. Zverev followed up his Madrid triumph with a quarterfinal performance in Rome (lost to Nadal 6-3, 6-4). Their treks through the French Open draw have been impressive, too. Tsitsipas has lost only one set–in the the third round against John Isner. Zverev has won 15 consecutive sets since losing the first two of his fortnight to Oscar Otte.
As well as Zverev is playing, the edge on Friday has to go to Tsitsipas. The world No. 5 was in this same situation last year–against a tougher opponent, actually, in Novak Djokovic–and he handled it extremely well, coming within one set of reaching his first Grand Slam final. Tsitsipas’ movement is superior to Zverev’s on clay and his forehand is more consistent, making it better able to withstand longer rallies that always arise on the red clay of Paris.
The sixth-ranked German will have to serve extremely well to make up for his opponent’s advantages, but he has already thrown in 27 double-faults during this tournament (Tsitsipas, by comparison, has hit only 12).
Like Daniil Medvedev in the quarter-finals, Zverev should be able to make it competitive. In the end, however, Tsitsipas will simply be too good on clay.
Pick: Tsitsipas in 4
WWW?
Tsit in 4. C’mon!
Tistipas V Zverev is probably a 5 setter.
Tsitsipas in 5 (maybe 4)
I think Zverev is excellent value for anyone that wants a higher risk/return.
The 2 favorites are vulnerable.
Zverev in FIVE.
Nah, he’s not cutting out there today! He’s done! Really thought this would at least go to 4 sets.
Atrocious tennis from Zverev. Tsitsipas hasnt had to do much.
Worst tennis ever. Weekday ladies quality.
The women’s sfs were way higher quality…
I think Zverev was a combination of being tight and lazy. there was no sense of urgency,.
It’s a shame they can under perform so much due to their mental state. If Zverev won the 2nd this match could be almost over.
Zverev literally handed the first set to Tsitsipas. You cant do that in a semi final of a GS.
If Zverev turned up and played like he had been he wouldve won this in 4 sets.
Quite a weak match, BUT history is often built on top of this kind of performance.
All that matters is that Tsitsipas plays his first Grand Slam Final. If he wins it, people will talk mainly about his final performance.
I guess the heat was a problem for both guys and probably easier to deal with for the Greek for obvious reasons. I think on Sunday he will bring his A game as he did with Med when it mattered most.
I honestly don’t see it that way. Tsitsipas was fortunate to pull out the win. But he let Zverev back in the match. I also don’t think his A game will be enough to beat either Rafa or Novak. He is not in their league yet. He has a ways to go.
His A game may not be enough, agree. It depends on the opponent’s level. I am just saying he has a real chance. It’s time to step in and try, have more courage as the top 3 did at his age.