French Open 2022: Alexander Zverev vs Bernabe Zapata Miralles preview, head-to-head, prediction, odds and pick | Roland Garros
Match Details
Fixture: (3) Alexander Zverev vs (Q) Bernabe Zapata Miralles.
Tournament: French Open 2022.
Date: 29 May 2022.
Round: Fourth round (Round of 16).
Venue: Paris, France.
Category: Grand Slam.
Surface: Outdoor Clay.
Prize money: €21,256,800.
Live telecast: USA - Tennis Channel, NBC Sports and Peacock TV | Canada - TSN | UK - Eurosport | India - Sony Ten.
Alexander Zverev vs Bernabe Zapata Miralles preview
World No. 3 Alexander Zverev will square off against qualifier Bernabe Zapata Miralles in the fourth round of the 2022 French Open on Sunday.
After a tough five-set win over Sebastian Baez during which he saved a match point, Zverev took on Brandon Nakashima in the third round. Both players were evenly matched in the opening set, which the German won in a tie-break.
Zverev jumped to a 4-1 lead in the second set and won it comfortably 6-3. He went up a break in the third set, but Nakashima retrieved it immediately. The set proceeded to yet another tie-break, which featured plenty of momentum shifts. The German came out on top to win the match 7-6 (2), 6-3, 7-6 (5).
The roar of victory 🦁
@AlexZverev defeats Brandon Nakashima 7-6(2), 6-3, 7-6(5) to advance to the fourth round for the fifth consecutive year.
#RolandGarros https://t.co/fHFiaLIQqW
Bernabe Zapata Miralles, meanwhile, is enjoying the best week of his career. Reaching the main draw of the French Open after winning three qualifying matches, he defeated Michael Mmoh in the first round and upset 13th seed Taylor Fritz in the second round.
Zapata Miralles was up against 23rd seed John Isner in the third round. He quickly nabbed the opening set, but the American leveled the match. The third set was closely fought, with the Spaniard breaking his opponent's serve once to get a two-sets-to-one lead.
Zapata Miralles led 5-2 in the fourth set and was on the cusp of victory as he held three match points on Isner's serve. But the American showed nerves of steel and gutsed out a service hold.
Isner saved another couple of match points as Zapata Miralles dropped serve while trying to close out the match. The set proceeded to a tie-break, which went the American's way.
A day he’ll never forget 🥹
Qualifier Bernabe Zapata Miralles shocks No.23 seed John Isner 6-4, 3-6, 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-3 to reach first Slam final 16
#RolandGarros https://t.co/EqCnUyKnKo
Zapata Miralles didn't fester in disappointment as he broke Isner's serve to start the deciding set. He didn't relinquish his lead this time around and closed out the match with another break of serve to win 6-4, 3-6, 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-3. The Spaniard has now reached the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the first time.
Alexander Zverev vs Bernabe Zapata Miralles head-to-head
This is their first ever meeting on the tour, so the head-to-head stands at 0-0 at present.
Alexander Zverev vs Bernabe Zapata Miralles odds
All odds are sourced from BetMGM.
Alexander Zverev vs Bernabe Zapata Miralles prediction
Zverev will be favored to win this clash, but Zapata Miralles has been on a giant killing spree and will fancy his chances. The Spaniard has nothing to lose in this match and will look to continue playing a fearless brand of tennis to cause yet another upset.
Zverev was tested in a competitive third-round match against Nakashima, but the German remained steady for the most part. His serve was firing on all cylinders, as he struck 18 aces and won 77% of first serve points. He racked up 50 unforced errors, but hit an equal number of winners.
Zapata Miralles, by contrast, played a cleaner match, with 40 winners and just 24 unforced errors.
Zverev was more proactive and played with aggression in his previous match, and will look to dictate the proceedings against Zapata Miralles as well. The German has a lot more firepower than the Spaniard from the back of the court, with his backhand and serve among the best on tour.
The Spaniard has enjoyed a dream run so far, but the German's current form and wealth of experience make him the clear favorite to reach the quarterfinals once again.
Pick: Alexander Zverev to win in straight sets.