Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Alexander Zverev: Prediction | H2H | Stats | Analysis: Acapulco Open 2021

Tsitsipas vs Zverev: Acapulco Open Final Preview

It is a blockbuster clash between two highly talented youngsters as the top seed Stefanos Tsitsipas squares off against the second seed Alexander Zverev in the finals of the Acapulco Mexican Open 2021.

Tsitsipas overcame the challenge of teen sensation Lorenzo Musetti easily beating the qualifier 6-1 6-3 in 79 minutes in the semifinals. 

The Greek won 72% of his first-serve points, fired 23 winners, and also saved 4 out of 8 breakpoints against the Italian. He did not concede a single breakpoint of his own serve.

"I am really looking forward to the final, Sascha is someone I have played against in the past and it is never easy, we are both really hungry and very competitive," said Tsitsipas quite eager to battle against Zverev in the finals of the Mexico Open.

On the other hand, Zverev won a close encounter against compatriot Dominik Koepfer in the semis ousting him 6-4 7-6(5). The German smashed 3 aces and clinched 70% of his first-serve points in the 2-hour 10-minute clash. 

Tsitsipas vs Zverev: Head to Head Record 

Tsitsipas leads the head-to-head record by a comfortable margin of 5-1 against Zverev. The Greek has also won his last three matches against Zverev in straight sets each. 

Key Insights: Acapulco Open Final

• Tsitsipas will be playing his 13th ATP final and has a win-loss record of 5-7.
• A win for Tsitsipas in the  Acapulco Open will see him capture his first-ever ATP 500 title and 6th ATP crown overall.
• Zverev is playing his second final in Acapulco after finishing as runner-up in the 2019 edition when he lost to Nick Kyrgios in straight sets.
• Zverev will be playing his 23rd ATP final and has a win-loss record of 13-9.
• This is the first time the top two seeds are playing the Acapulco Open finals since 2015 when David Ferrer beat Kei Nishikori in straight sets.
• Tsitsipas will be featuring in his first ATP Final of the 2021 season.
• A victory for Zverev will help him grab a 14th ATP title.
• Both Tsitsipas and Zverev will go for their first titles this season on the ATP Tour.
• Zverev has played one match less than Tsitsipas having got a walkover in the quarterfinals against Casper Ruud who did not play due to a wrist injury.
• Tsitsipas leads Zverev 3-1 in outdoor hardcourt matches.

Zverev vs Tsitsipas: Game Analysis

Tsitsipas has been in fine form all week not allowing his opponents to play their free-flowing game by strongly attacking from the baseline. 

He was severely tested only once in the tournament by Felix Auger Aliassime in a three-setter in the quarterfinals. His main weapons are a powerful forehand, a clever backhand slice, stellar court coverage, and smart netplay.

Zverev has displayed his ruthless form Acapulco having not lost yet a set this week. His strengths lie in breaking the serve of his opponents to get more momentum, a topspin heavy forehand, and a flat backhand that he can hit both down-the-line and cross-court.

The two Next-Gen stars have quite different game styles as Tsitsipas is good at volleying from the net while Zverev can commit a lot of unforced errors when he comes to the net. The second serve of the Greek can be inconsistent sometimes though he manages it by controlling the pace of the rallies. Zverev needs to ensure his forehand is consistent as he can struggle sometimes to whack away short balls.

Statistical comparison of Tsitsipas and Zverev in the Acapulco Mexican Open 2021

Tsitsipas vs Zverev Acapulco Open Final: Prediction

Zverev always starts well but can struggle to close out matches due to inconsistency and not taking full advantage of the momentum. His second serve is also vulnerable at the moment and Tsitsipas will look to exploit that with powerful returns all around the court. 

The winner may be decided by thin margins depending on the efficiency and level of control from the baseline.

Prediction - Stefanos Tsitsipas to win the Acapulco Open Final in three sets against Alexander Zverev.

Featured Image Credits - Getty Images