Halle 2023: Alexander Zverev vs Dominic Thiem preview, head-to-head, prediction, odds and pick | Terra Wortmann Open
Match Details
Fixture: (9) Alexander Zverev vs (WC) Dominic Thiem
Date: Tuesday, June 20, 2023
Tournament: Halle Open 2023.
Round: First Round (Round of 32).
Venue: Halle, Germany.
Category: ATP 500.
Surface: Grass.
Prize money: €2,345,130.
Live telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | Canada - TSN | UK - Amazon Prime Video.
Alexander Zverev vs Dominic Thiem preview
Ninth seed Alexander Zverev will take on Dominic Thiem in the opening round of the Halle Open.
Zverev has won 21 out of 36 matches so far this season and while he hasn't won a single title yet, he is on course for a resurgence after his absence from tennis due to an ankle injury he suffered.
The German's most notable performance in 2023 was reaching the semifinals of the French Open. He entered the tournament seeded 22nd and booked his place in the final four with wins over Lloyd Harris, Alex Molcan, Frances Tiafoe, Grigor Dimitrov and Tomas Martin Etcheverry. Here, the 26-year-old was beaten 6-3, 6-4, 6-0 by eventual runner-up Casper Ruud.
Thiem has endured a disappointing 2023 season so far, with just seven wins out of 20 matches. The Austrian did manage to reach two quarterfinals at the Estoril Open and the BMW Open in Munich.
Thiem's last appearance on the ATP Tour came at the French Open, where he replaced Rafael Nadal in the main draw following the Spaniard's withdrawal due to a hip injury. He faced Pedro Cachin and lost a tightly-contested thriller 6-3, 6-2, 6-7(1), 4-6, 6-2.
Following the French Open, Thiem competed at a Challenger tournament in Heilbronn, Germany, and reached the second round before losing to Pedro Martinez.
Alexander Zverev vs Dominic Thiem head-to-head
Thiem leads 8-3 in the head-to-head between the two. Their last meeting came in the semifinals of the 2021 Madrid Open, with Zverev winning 6-3, 6-4.
Alexander Zverev vs Dominic Thiem odds
All odds are sourced from BETMGM.
Alexander Zverev vs Dominic Thiem prediction
Zverev will enter the match as the favorite to win given his recent run of form.
The German is gradually returning to the level we have seen him display over the past few years and his run at the French Open will no doubt be a confidence booster.
Zverev has a solid serve and will be eager to fetch as many free points as he can through aces. His powerful groundstrokes, especially his backhand will be useful when it comes to gaining the upper hand, and he moves well on grass.
Thiem has a meagre 14-15 win-loss record on grass so far and will have to produce his A-game if he is to stand a chance. The Austrian has often relied heavily on his backhand and his serve is quite effective as well.
Considering the recent forms of both players, Zverev is the clear favorite to win and should not have much trouble coming out on top.
Pick: Zverev to win in straight sets.