The first two events of Alexander Zverev’s 2024 campaign were very productive and his third one at the Mifel Tennis Open figures to be the same. Zverev led Germany to the United Cup title while compiling a 4-1 singles record, and he reached the Australian Open semifinals before losing a five-set heartbreaker to Daniil Medvedev.
Although he is making his debut in Los Cabos, the world No. 6 has enjoyed plenty of success in Mexico. In four trips to Acapuclo he has one title (2021), a runner-up performance (2019), and a semifinal showing (2018). His only losses there have come to Tommy Paul, Nick Kyrgios, and Juan Martin Del Potro. Zverev now finds himself in the Los Cabos quarterfinals following a 6-3, 6-0 destruction of Yoshihito Nishioka.
Up next for the top seed on Thursday night is a second meeting with Thanasi Kokkinakis. Their only previous encounter came two years ago at the Miami Masters, where Zverev cruised 6-4, 6-4.
Kokkinakis is suddenly bouncing back from what had been some early-season woes. The 103rd-ranked Aussie arrive in Los Cabos with a 1-4 record–three of his losses coming to opponents outside the top 50, including a 6-1, 6-2 beatdown at the hands of Alex Michelsen last week in Delray Beach. However, this week Kokkinakis has knocked off Jack Draper in three sets and Dan Evans in straights.
A sizable step up in competition, though, will likely result in the end of Kokkinakis’ run. Zverev is playing great and conditions at this tournament are favorable for his game.
Pick: Zverev in 2
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