Alexander Zverev will have a pretty tough job to do in the fourth round of the Indian Wells Open, as he'll have to face an in-form Alex de Minaur.
The Australian has been on fire in recent weeks, winning the Mexican Open in Acapulco comfortably and now demolishing players at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Indian Wells as well.
Zverev didn't have a good time in Mexico, but he found some wins this week in Indian Wells. The German and de Minaur are similar players in that neither is overly aggressive.
They can be, and they do it really well, but their natural inclination is more towards the defensive style. Somebody will have to step up and attack in this matchup.
They have played a handful of matches so far, and Zverev generally has the upper hand. The most recent match, which happened earlier this year at the United Cup, was won by the Australian, though.
It was a pretty close three-set match, so we can see that they're pretty close when both play the way they can.
Alex de Minaur | Alexander Zverev | |
---|---|---|
2 | H2H | 6 |
10 | Rank | 6 |
25 | Age | 26 |
17-4 | 2024 W/L | 13-4 |
219-138 | Career W/L | 407-181 |
De Minaur has looked way more impressive recently, and I actually think the Australian will have a pretty decent chance in this match. He's just been having a good moment right now, and I think that will carry over.
Zverev will have to step up from the serve. He can't afford himself to play long rallies against de Minaur because I think it won't work.
He needs to step up from the serve and get some free points; otherwise, I can see the Australian running away with this one. Considering the recent form, I favor de Minaur here.
Prediction: Alex de Minaur to win in three sets.