ATP Madrid Open 2021: Rafael Nadal vs Alexander Zverev-Preview, Head to Head and Prediction

ATP Madrid Open 2021: Rafael Nadal vs Alexander Zverev-Preview, Head to Head and Prediction

Rafael Nadal and Alexander Zverev

Rafael Nadal will take on Alexander Zverev in the Quarter-finals of the Madrid Open 2021. Nadal is currently the World no.2 on the ATP rankings and Zverev is the World no.6. 

Match Details

  • Tournament: ATP Madrid Open 2021
  • Match: Rafael Nadal vs Alexander Zverev 
  • Round: Quarter-finals
  • Date: 7th May, 2021
  • PrizeMoney: €58,370
  • Venue: Madrid, Spain 
  • Surface: Clay Court

Rafael Nadal vs Alexander Zverev: Match Preview

Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal came into this tournament on the back of a title triumph at Barcelona. He beat the young Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas in the finals, 6-4 6-7 7-5. At Madrid, he had a bye in the first round, in the second round the top seed was up against fellow Spaniard and Tennis prodigy Carlos Alcaraz Garfia. This highly anticipated match showed the world that there is still a huge gap between Nadal and the rest of the pack, on clay. And to be fair Carlos Alcaraz actually played well, but lost the match in straight sets 1-6 2-6, such was the dominance of Nadal.

In the third round Nadal was up against Alexei Popyrin. Popyrin had a lot to say before the game, but as it turned out actions speak louder than words, and Nadal showed him that. Nadal broke him four times and completed a straight set win, 6-3 6-3. In the Quarters, Nadal will come up against the tall German Alexander Zverev.

FS Video

Zverev had a bye in the first round. In the second he took out veteran Japanese player Kei Nishikori in straight sets, 6-3 6-2. In the third, he overcame Dan Evans 6-3 7-6. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OYchErVLuU

Rafael Nadal vs Alexander Zverev: Head-to-Head

Alexander Zverev

These two players have met seven times on the tour before, and the head to head is 5-2 to Nadal. Nadal has prevailed over Zverev each time they have played on clay, but Zverev won their last encounter, 6-4 7-5, at the Paris Masters. 

Rafael Nadal vs Alexander Zverev: Prediction

Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal

Nadal is into his 15th Quarter Final at the Madrid Open, and will be looking to secure his 6th title here. The Spaniard has looked compact on court and has rolled back the years ample number of times with his movement and passing shots. Nadal though has to improve his serve to be more clinical against a top player like Zverev.

Zverev plays well on clay and has titles to prove it, but like many other players he has not been able to crack the code against Nadal on clay. The German will have to bring his A game to the table, and hope Nadal has an off day if he wants to gain anything from this match. 

Match Prediction: Rafael Nadal will beat Alexander Zverev in three sets. 

Also Read: Find Out: Does Alexander Zverev regret not having a normal teenage life