It’s time to cook some popcorns because the much-anticipated rematch of the Madrid Open 2021 quarterfinal is finally happening. At the Italian Open 2021 quarterfinals, third seed Rafael Nadal will take on the mighty challenge of sixth seed Alexander Zverev again.
Last week, Rafa lost to the 24-year-old German on his home soil in straight sets 6-4, 6-4. Eventually, Sascha went on to win the Madrid Masters for the second time in his career.
Rafael Nadal vs. Alexander Zverev: Preview
The record nine-time champion Rafael Nadal has found all his extra gears in Rome. Correspondingly, he crushed two of the most promising talents on the ATP Tour despite facing their best-ever performances on clay.
Firstly, the Spaniard shut down the valiant Italian Jannik Sinner 7-5, 6-4. Then, he saved two match points to overcome headfast Denis Shapovalov 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(3) to reach the quarterfinals.
Hence, it is not surprising that Rafa has produced more wins than anybody at the Italian Open. However, his next match would be about revenge than about getting another win in Rome.
Unquestionably, the German World No.6 Alexander Zverev will be happy to play the Spaniard again. Currently on a seven-match winning streak on clay, Sascha is playing his best tennis of the year so far.
Interestingly, the German faced some hard questions against Former World No.4 Kei Nishikori in the third round. Recovering from the opening set loss and a break in the decider, Zverev came through 4-6, 6-3, 6-4.
Most significantly, Sascha also has a three-match winning streak against the Spaniard. Thus, he would want to improve and keep his record clean more than anything.
Nadal vs. Zverev: Head-to-Head
Nadal leads Zverev 5-3 in their head-to-head meetings. Moreover, their standings on clay are 3-1 in favor of the Spaniard.
However, the rue of the Madrid Open loss will be fresh in the Spaniard’s mind. The only question is: Will he complete his revenge and break the curse against Zverev?
Nadal vs. Zverev: Prediction
Distinctively, the altitude in Madrid gave fast players such as Zverev an advantage. But indeed, the same won’t be the case in Rome.
Hence, the German would find it more complicated to waive off the persistent Rafa Nadal. His best chance would be to get his big first serves and keep the Spaniard under pressure at all times.
But on paper, it is the 20-time Grand Slam champion going in another Italian Open semifinal. His matchless ball control and experience of the Roman soil would be too hard for the German to handle.
Prediction: Rafa Nadal def. Sascha Zverev in straight sets.
Also Read: Italian Open 2021: Novak Djokovic vs Stefanos Tsitsipas Preview; Head-to-Head and Prediction
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