“I don’t care what your name is,” Carlos Alcaraz to have a difficult time against Alexander Zverev’s biggest threat feels Mats Wilander ahead of their Australian Open clash

Quarter-final clashes don’t get any bigger than what’s on schedule for Day 11 of the ongoing 2024 Australian Open. World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz will take on World No. 6 Alexander Zverev for a place in the semis.

While the German does have one semis appearance in AO (2020), Alcaraz is currently on his best run in Melbourne Park. The two men have however had contrasting runs so far. The German has survived two five-setters with only one straight-set win. Whereas, Alcaraz has dropped a set only once in the four matches so far.

With the duo set to go head-to-head, tennis experts are putting their predictions on who will be the last man standing. Commenting on the same, former World No. 1 and three-time Australian Open winner Mats Wilander also had his say on the clash.

It’s more about Zverev I think. I think we have to realize that when Zverev’s serve is most probably one of the two or three best serves in the game. At times he's unplayable because he serves so well. When he serves well, then it's very tough to serve against him because he moves well for a big guy, and has great groundstrokes.

Said Wilander speaking with Eurosport.

Wilander admitted despite winning two Grand Slam titles, the Spaniard is still ‘raw’. His composure when he’s on the back foot makes him beatable. The German’s big serve could easily push the former World No. 1 on the ropes and make things difficult for him.

He doesn't seem to be down through a whole match but he has dips, and if Zverev can take advantage of those dips by serving great then it's probably 60-40 in favour of Alcaraz. I wouldn't go 20-80 because of Zverev’s first serve. You just can't return a serve that comes from that high up, at 220 kilometres an hour. I don't care what your name is.

added Wilander.

Alcaraz himself stands at 1.83 meters in height but Zverev tops him with a height of 1.98 meters. This difference backed by his raw strength in serve makes the German a formidable server. And Wilander believes this is a worrying sign for the two-time Major winner.

Alexander Zverev leads Carlos Alcaraz in their head-to-head

The two men have met seven times so far in their careers. Except on grass, the two have clashed on every surface. They first met in the first round of the 2021 Acapulco Open where Carlos Alcaraz played as a wildcard. The Spaniard had to wait for their third duel to defeat Alexander Zverev for the first time in his career.

The two have since split their matches but the German currently leads the head-to-head 4-3. Their last encounter was in the round-robin stage of the 2023 ATP Finals with the German narrowly winning the tie.

Today’s clash between the two will certainly be fuelled by the German’s desire for revenge as well. Alcaraz had ousted Zverev in straight-sets in the 2023 US Open‘s quarter-finals. With off-court struggles also continuing for the German, a big statement win will do a lot of good for his confidence.

In case you missed it:

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• “I have to fight till the end!” ‘Emotional’ Dayana Yastremska has some strong words for her mother after reaching the semifinal of the Australian Open

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