French Open 2024: Alexander Zverev vs Alex de Minaur; Preview, Prediction and Head-to-Head

Alexander Zverev was among the pre-tournament favorites for French Open. However, once the draw was out, only a few believed in him to make it as far as the last eight. Despite a series of long five-set battles and tricky opponents, the German stays alive in Paris. Hunting his fourth consecutive Roland Garros semi-final, he must pass the Alex de Minaur test.

Meanwhile, de Minaur has proven his critics wrong about his clay-court prowess. Prior to the event, he held a 3-7 win-loss record at Stade Roland Garros which has now shot up to 50% win rate. With his victory over Daniil Medvedev, he also became the first Australian male in 20 years to reach the last 8 of French Open.

Alexander Zverev vs Alex de Minaur: Preview French Open Quarterfinal

Zverev’s current 10 match win streak includes triumphs over the likes of Rafael Nadal and Holger Rune. Despite overcoming some seasoned clay courters, de Minaur will be the highest ranked opponent he’s faced in the clay swing. Nonetheless, on the back of a Rome title and some quality victories on Phillipe Chatrier court, Zverev will be unbothered by the Australian’s ranking.

At the same time, de Minaur bagged his first top 5 win against Medvedev. Despite his subpar winning rate on clay, the Aussie had proven his mettle in the 2022 Barcelona SF against Carlos Alcaraz, where he held match points. With a set of decent results in Monte-Carlo and Rome, he was destined to step up in Paris this year.

Alexander Zverev vs Alex de Minaur: Head-to-Head

Zverev enjoys a strong head-to-head lead over de Minaur by winning 7 of their 9 encounters. He also won their solitary clay court meet in Rome’2022 (6-3, 7-6). The only positive for de Minaur here is that he beat Zverev earlier this year in January and the record for 2024 is 1-1.

Prediction: Alexander Zverev to register a three-set victory over de Minaur

Zverev enjoys a clear matchup advantage over de Minaur. In slower and heavier night conditions, things are likely to get worse for the Aussie. However, to his advantage, he has only spent 582 minutes on court at the French Open, compared to 833 for Zverev. Fatigue can come into play in this matchup given their defensive and excessively physical playing styles.

However, de Minaur for all his efficiency and consistency does not possess a standout weapon. He relies on long rallies, opposition errors and his own rapid fast footspeed. Zverev, on the other hand, is an established counterpuncher who can finish points off his backhand with ease. The major difference maker will be the serve.

The Aussie’s substandard serve fails to trouble top-level ATP pros. His tally of 15 aces looks very feeble in front of Zverev’s 43. In a match comprising some of the most excruciating rallies of the tournament, the German will find a way to win free points off his serve, a luxury that de Minaur lacks.

Final Verdict: Alexander Zverev to register a three-set victory over de Minaur. The Aussie at best can push a set to tiebreak but he just doesn’t possess enough weapons to take down an in-form Zverev on clay.