Dominic Thiem vs Alexander Zverev: Madrid Open 2021 Semi-final Prediction | Preview | H2H Stats

It is a blockbuster Next-Gen battle as the third seed Dominic Thiem locks horns against the fifth-seeded Alexander Zverev in the semifinals of the Mutua Madrid Open 2021.

Thiem vs Zverev: Madrid Open Preview

Thiem outlasted the big-serving John Isner in a thrilling three-setter in the quarterfinals of the Madrid Open. The American was in full control in the first set as he fired a flurry of aces and played delicate volleys to take it 6-3. 

Dominic Thiem took only 3 points of Isner's missile-like serve. The Prince of Clay stepped up his game by one gear in the second set winning it 6-3 to force a decider. 

The third set was equally poised at 4-4. Isner was broken in the ninth game and Thiem successfully served out the match. Overall, the Austrian clinched 79% of points on his first serve and also saved 6 out of 7 breakpoints. 

On the other hand, Zverev outplayed the top seed, Rafael Nadal, 6-4 6-4 in the quarter-finals of the Madrid Open. Nadal was in control of the first set with a healthy 4-2 lead. However, a combination of poor serving and repeated unforced errors saw him lose 4 games in a row as he conceded it 6-4. 

The German played with full intensity in the second set with some clever cross-court forehands and big serves to seal it 6-4. Zverev grabbed 82% of points on his first serve and fired 28 winners.

"It is definitely one of the biggest wins of my career so far, especially on clay against Rafa, it is the toughest thing to do in our sport, beating him in his house, in Spain, is incredible but the tournament is not over yet," said Zverev after a magnificent victory against Nadal highlighting that he has his focus set on the big trophy.

With that victory, Sascha Zverev claimed a hat-trick of wins against Rafa (3 straight-set wins in a row) and a first triumph on the clay surface.

Thiem vs Zverev: Live Stream & Highlights

The 2021 Madrid Open Semi-Final match between Dominic Thiem and Alexander Zverev can be streamed live on Tennis TV YouTube channel. 

Dominic Thiem vs Alexander Zverev: Head to Head Record

• Thiem leads the head-to-head record by a comfortable margin of 8-2 against Zverev. 
• Dominic Thiem has a 4-1 win-loss record against the German on the red dirt. 
• Zverev defeated the Austrian in straight sets in the finals of the Mutua Madrid Masters in 2018.

Thiem vs Zverev: Madrid Open: Timing

The 2021 Madrid Open Semifinal match between Dominic Thiem and Alexander Zverev starts at 4 pm Central European Time (CET).

Thiem vs Zverev: Madrid Open: Key Insights

• Thiem is a two-time Madrid Open runner-up (2017 and 2018) and will aim to reach his 3rd final at the Caja Magica.
• Zverev is a former ATP-1000 Madrid Open champion after winning the prestigious tournament in 2018.
• The Austrian has won his last four matches against Sascha.
• Dominic Thiem is playing in the semifinals at the Madrid Open for the fourth time in a row.
• Alexander Zverev is yet to lose a set in the tournament.
• Zverev has an impressive 13-2 win-loss record at the Madrid Open.

Thiem vs Zverev: Madrid Open Game Analysis

After handling the big serves of the gigantic Isner quite well, Thiem will be confident of putting up a good show in the Madrid Open semifinals against the German, Zverev. 

Having ousted the 5-time Madrid Open champion, Rafael Nadal in the quarters, Alexander Zverev will get a lot of self-belief that he can beat any player on his day. 

The German has been very good with his passing shots and has not hesitated to attack by stepping inside the baseline. The fast and hot conditions suit Sascha's game though he can struggle when the ball bounces awkwardly at the back of the court.

In a battle of supremely talented players, Thiem has performed better in big matches in clay-court tournaments than Zverev, who has not found form sometimes in the crucial moments before in his career. 

The Austrian's main weapons would be his powerful one-handed backhand and strong returning from the baseline. The German will have a great chance of winning the match if he wins more than 80% of points on his first serve. 

Dominic Thiem's superior clay-court record against Sascha Zverev gives him a slight edge. The winner would be decided based on their level at the start of the match, adjustment to the high-altitude conditions in Madrid, and consistency in taking the ball on the rise from the baseline.

Prediction - Dominic Thiem to win in three sets against Alexander Zverev in the Semifinal tie of the Madrid Open 2021.

Featured Image Credits - Getty Images