Indian Wells 2022: Alexander Zverev vs Tommy Paul preview, head-to-head and prediction | BNP Paribas Open
Match Details
Fixture: (3) Alexander Zverev vs Tommy Paul
Date: 13 March 2022
Tournament: BNP Paribas Open
Round: Second round (Round of 64)
Venue: Indian Wells, California, USA
Category: ATP Masters 1000
Surface: Outdoor Hardcourt
Prize money: $8,369,455
Live telecast: USA - Tennis Channel & ESPN | UK - Amazon Prime Video | India - Voot
Alexander Zverev vs Tommy Paul preview
Third seed Alexander Zverev will take on Tommy Paul in the second round of the Indian Wells Masters on Sunday.
The German started 2022 by winning two of his three matches in the ATP Cup. Zverev then reached the fourth round of the Australian after beating Daniel Altmaier, John Millman and Radu Albot. However, he lost to Denis Shapovalov in the fourth round in straight sets.
The 24-year-old was the top seed at the Open Sud de France and he reached the final after defeating Mackenzie McDonald, Mikael Ymer and Adrian Mannarino. However, he was stunned by Alexander Bublik in the title clash.
Zverev was seeded second at the Mexican Open and won his first match against Jenson Brooksby. However, he was disqualified from the competition due to unsportsmanlike behavior in his doubles match.
He will now be looking to get back to winning ways when he takes the court in Indian Wells.
Aviso importante @atptour
Due to unsportsmanlike conduct at the conclusion of his doubles match on Tuesday night, Alexander Zverev has been withdrawn from the tournament in Acapulco.
Paul started 2022 at the Adelaide International, where he was the sixth seed. The American reached the quarterfinals of the tournament before losing to eventual champion Gael Monfils. The 24-year-old then reached the quarterfinals of the Adelaide International, but lost to fourth seed Marin Cilic.
Paul then suffered a second-round loss at the Australian Open after being beaten by Miomir Kecmanovic. The American followed it up by reaching the semifinals of the Delray Beach Open following straight-set wins over Denis Istomin and Stefan Kozlov. However, he lost to eventual champion Cameron Norrie.
Paul reached the quarterfinals of the Mexican Open after triumphing over Matteo Berrettini and Dusan Lajovic. The 24-year-old's run in the competition came to an end at the hands of Rafael Nadal, who went on to win the tournament.
Aviso importante @atptour
Due to unsportsmanlike conduct at the conclusion of his doubles match on Tuesday night, Alexander Zverev has been withdrawn from the tournament in Acapulco.
Paul then entered the Indian Wells Masters and reached the second round after beating Mikhail Kukushkin 6-4, 6-4.
Alexander Zverev vs Tommy Paul head-to-head
Sunday's match in California will be the second meeting between the two players. Paul surprisingly emerged victorious in their only previous encounter, which was at the Mexican Open in 2020.
The winner of the match will take on either John Millman or Alex de Minaur in the third round.
Alexander Zverev vs Tommy Paul prediction
Zverev will look to start the Indian Wells Masters on a positive note following his antics at Acapulco. The 24-year-old will be the heavy favorite to win the match given his ranking and form.
Zverev will look to go for the jugular from the get-go and his powerful serve and groundstrokes will no doubt make things tough for Paul. The American will have to find a way to deal with the German's solid two-handed backhand that can do a lot of damage.
Paul will rely heavily on his powerful forehand to fetch points against Zverev. The American is also a fairly decent server and will look to power down a few aces as well.
Ultimately, Zverev should have little trouble getting the better of Paul and reaching the third round of the Indian Wells Masters.
Prediction: Zverev to win in straight sets.