Top seed Rafael Nadal faces the Next-Gen star and fifth seed Alexander Zverev in the quarterfinals of the Mutua Madrid Open.
Nadal vs Zverev: Madrid Open Preview
The King of clay comfortably dispatched the Australian Alexei Popyrin 6-3 6-3 in the pre-quarterfinals of the Madrid Open. The Spaniard did not commit a single double fault, claimed 71.42% of his first-serve points, and also saved an impressive 5 out of 6 breakpoints.
Nadal also maintained his unbeaten record against qualifiers on clay with a 40th win and 10th victory against an Australian player in his illustrious career.
On the other hand, Zverev overcame the Brit Dan Evans 6-3 7-6(3) in the Round of 16 of the Madrid Open. The German fired 7 aces, and won 80% of points on his first and second serve respectively.
Rafael Nadal vs Alexander Zverev: Head to Head Record
Nadal leads the head-to-head record 5-2 against Zverev.
The Spaniard has won all his 3 matches against Sascha on clay.
"He (Zverev) is one of the best players in the world and hits 220 km/h serves, he makes you struggle, but if I keep playing at this level, I will have chances," opined Nadal sounding confident ahead of the captivating clash against Sascha Zverev at the Madrid Open 2021.
Nadal will aim for his 4th straight win against Zverev on his beloved surface while the former Madrid Open champion will aim to upset the Spaniard's ambitions of a 6th title at the Caja Magica. Image Credits - Getty Images
Nadal vs Zverev: Madrid Open Live Stream
The 2021 Madrid Open Quarter Final match between Rafael Nadal and Alexander Zverev can be streamed live on Tennis TV YouTube channel.
Nadal vs Zverev: Madrid Open: Key Insights
Nadal is a 5-time Madrid Open champion.
Zverev won the ATP Masters 1000 Madrid tournament in 2018. He defeated the fifth-seeded Dominic Thiem in straight sets in the finals.
Rafael Nadal is on a 7-match winning streak on the red dirt.
Both Nadal and Zverev are yet to lose a set in the tournament.
The Spaniard is playing his 15th Madrid Open quarterfinal out of 18 appearances.
Rafa has a 13-2 win-loss record this season.
Zverev is playing the quarterfinal in Madrid for the fourth time in his career.
Nadal vs Zverev: Madrid Open Game Analysis
Nadal has been ruthless with his topspin heavy forehand at the Madrid Open. It has helped him to tire out his opponents in the grueling rallies on the baseline. He neutralized the hard-hitting Popyrin in the pre-quarters by returning the ball with more depth and precision.
After the early loss to the World number 107 Ilya Ivashka in the quarterfinals of the ATP-250 Munich Open, Zverev has looked at ease in the Madrid Open.
The German always performs well when he wins more than 75% of points on his first serve. Sascha must avoid committing frequent double faults after making 6 against Evans in the round of 16.
Can Rafa extend his 7-match winning streak on clay or will Zverev spring a big surprise in the Madrid Open? Image Credits - Getty Images
With two consecutive straight-set losses (Nitto ATP Finals 2019 and Paris Masters 2020) against Zverev, Nadal will aim to set the equation straight on his favorite surface.
If the German starts strong, he needs to maintain consistency and avoid becoming complacent.
If the match goes down to the wire, Zverev will have the edge in the tie-breakers as the Spaniard often comes up short in the crunch moments. Nadal's last tie-break win was way back in the Nitto ATP Finals against Daniil Medvedev in 2019.
However, Rafael Nadal has immense experience at the Madrid Open and takes his level a notch higher in big matches against the top players.
Alexander Zverev has a golden opportunity to upset Nadal in front of his home crowd. It depends on how he uses his weapons against the 20-time grand slam champion. The winner of the first set will have a greater chance of emerging victorious in this enthralling encounter.
Prediction - Rafael Nadal to win in three sets against Alexander Zverev in the Quarter-Final tie of the Madrid Open 2021.
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