Paris Olympics 2024: Carlos Alcaraz vs Roman Safiullin preview, head-to-head, prediction, odds and pick
Match Details
Fixture: (2) Carlos Alcaraz vs Roman Safiullin
Date: July 31, 2024
Tournament: Paris Olympics 2024
Round: Third Round (Round of 16)
Venue: Stade Roland Garros, Paris, France
Category: Olympics
Surface: Clay
Live Telecast: USA - NBC, Peacock | UK - Eurosport, Discovery+, BBC iPlayer | Canada - CBC Gem, Radio Canada, Tou.tv | India - JioCinema, Sports18
Carlos Alcaraz vs Roman Safiullin preview
Spain's Carlos Alcaraz will square off against Roman Safiullin in the third round of the Paris Olympics 2024.
Alcaraz beat Lebanon's Hady Habib 6-3, 6-1 to begin his quest for an Olympic gold. He was up against the Netherlands' Tallon Griekspoor in the second round. The first set was a walk in the park for the Spaniard, who claimed it for the loss of only one game.
Both players remained quite solid on serve in the second set, though Alcaraz did save a set point in the 10th game. The set eventually went to a tie-break, in which the reigning Wimbledon and French Open champion easily outplayed Griekspoor to win the match 6-1, 7-6 (3).
Safiullin defeated Chile's Alejandro Tabilo 6-4, 6-4 to reach the second round, where Argentina's Tomas Martin Etcheverry awaited him. The Russian hammered his opponent in the opening set by dishing out a bagel.
Etcheverry was up a break twice in the second set but squandered his lead. He then saved a match point in the 10th game and managed to force a tie-break later on. However, Safiullin came out on top in it to secure a 6-0, 7-6 (1) victory.
Carlos Alcaraz vs Roman Safiullin head-to-head
Safiullin leads Alcaraz 1-0 in the head-to-head. He won their previous encounter at the Paris Masters 2023 in straight sets.
Carlos Alcaraz vs Roman Safiullin odds
(Odds are sourced from BetMGM)
Carlos Alcaraz vs Roman Safiullin prediction
Griekspoor raised his level to challenge Alcaraz in the second set. The latter responded by raising his intensity and adjusting his tactics to get out of trouble. Even though the Spaniard took a medical time-out towards the end of the second set, he didn't appear to be severely hampered.
After failing to win consecutive matches during the clay swing earlier this season, Safiullin has managed to do it at the Olympics. Both of his opponents here were capable players on clay, so the Russian seems to be rediscovering his form after a tough few months.
Safiullin managed to stun Alcaraz the last time they crossed paths in the French capital, which was at last year's Paris Masters. However, the Spaniard has won another couple of Major titles since that loss, including at the French Open.
Alcaraz's variety and tactical acumen were on full display in the previous round. Safiullin has done well to make it this far but it's unlikely he'll be able to get the better of the Spaniard once again, who's in the midst of a purple patch.
Pick: Carlos Alcaraz to win in straight sets.