Miami Open 2023: Carlos Alcaraz vs Taylor Fritz preview, head-to-head, prediction, odds, and pick
Match details
Fixture: (1) Carlos Alcaraz vs (9) Taylor Fritz
Date: March 29, 2023
Tournament: Miami Open 2023
Round: Quarterfinals
Venue: Miami Gardens, Florida, United States
Category: ATP Masters 1000
Surface: Outdoor hardcourt
Prize money: $8,800,000
Live telecast: USA - Tennis Channel/TC Plus | UK - Amazon Prime Video
Carlos Alcaraz vs Taylor Fritz preview
World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz will look to extend his winning streak into double figures when he takes on home hope Taylor Fritz in an exciting quarterfinal encounter at the 2023 Miami Open on Wednesday.
Alcaraz, who came into the tournament having lifted the trophy at Indian Wells, is looking primed for a Sunshine Double. He has not dropped a set in his last nine matches, which included wins over the likes of Daniil Medvedev and Jannik Sinner.
Back in Miami as the defending champion, the Spaniard has been dominant, having dropped more than four games in a set only once in his three matches. In the form of the big-hitting Fritz, though, he faces a tough last-eight opponent.
Fritz, meanwhile, has bounced back well from the disappointment of having failed to defend his Indian Wells crown. He was ousted by an inspired Sinner in the quarterfinals.
Here in Miami this week, the American hasn't dropped a set — much like his opponent. He was especially impressive in his 6-3, 6-4 dismissal of Holger Rune and could well give the World No. 1 a run for his money.
Carlos Alcaraz vs Taylor Fritz head-to-head
The two players have never crossed paths on the tour before, so their current head-to-head stands at 0-0.
Carlos Alcaraz vs Taylor Fritz odds
(Odds are sourced from BetMGM)
Carlos Alcaraz vs Taylor Fritz prediction
Carlos Alcaraz's powerful baseline hitting and athleticism have been on full display throughout the week in Miami so far. He will, however, need to kick into the next gear if he wishes to fend off Taylor Fritz.
The American plays a solid first-strike brand of tennis and barring his encounter against Rune, his first serve has been virtually untouchable.
Alcaraz can take a page out of Rune's book and adjust his return position to frustrate Fritz into overpressing. The Spaniard might take a game or two to adjust to his opponent's flat hitting but definitely possesses the game needed to counter Fritz's power.
If he can find a way to get on the front foot, especially off of his lethal forehand, and mount pressure on his opponent's serve, Alcaraz could find himself in a commanding position.
Pick: Alcaraz to win in three sets