Will it be a redemption story for Alexander Zverev at the 2023 French Open?
Last year at Roland Garros, Zverev made a run to the semifinals and was playing a great match against Rafael Nadal before a nasty ankle injury derailed his tournament–and the entire rest of his season. Zverev’s comeback this year has been slow going for the most part, but he is showing signs of his former self this fortnight with victories over Lloyd Harris, Alex Molcan, and Frances Tiafoe while dropping just one set to Tiafoe in the process.
Up next for the 26-year-old German on Monday is a fifth career meeting with Dimitrov. The head-to-head series stands at 3-1 in favor of Zverev, who most recently prevailed 7-6(4), 6-7(3), 6-3 at the 2021 Paris Masters. He also won their only previous clay-court encounter at the 2016 Rome Masters via a 6-1, 6-4 decision.
However, Dimitrov cannot be discounted. The 32-year-old Bulgarian is coming off a runner-up performance in Geneva and so far at Roland Garros he has dismissed Timofey Skatov, Emil Ruusuvuori, and Daniel Altmaier in straight sets. Despite those quick matches, it’s hard to trust Dimitrov from a physical standpoint in the latter stages of slams–especially after he endured a relatively long week in Geneva.
A resurgent Zverev is playing inspired tennis and should have a slight edge, which he has enjoyed over Dimitrov in the past.
Pick: Zverev in 5
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Odds have Zverev as a slight favorite. 4-5 sets, I guess.
Zverev in 4.
Interesting. The bookies odds determine the outcome now. You’re an expert.
And you think you are the insult expert. Hiding behind that anon, pfft.
Zverev is trying his best to get to the form he was in last year. I wish him luck!!! I watched recently that match he played with Carlos last year……..that was a classic!!!
Z in 4
Why is Zverev playing yet another night match?! This is his third! There are players in the top 5 ie Ruud who have never played 1…
Rune hasn’t played one…they used to share them out pretty fairly..
This match is unutterably tedious.
Why not put Rune Cerundolo on at night?.don’t understand the scheduling..
Hey. I’m trying to get into it.