US Open 2020: Alexander Zverev vs Alejandro Davidovich Fokina preview, head-to-head & prediction
Match details
Fixture: Alexander Zverev vs Alejandro Davidovich Fokina
Date: 6 September 2020
Tournament: US Open 2020
Round: Fourth round (Round of 16)
Venue: Flushing Meadows, New York, USA
Category: Grand Slam
Surface: Outdoor hardcourt
Prize money: $39,024,000
Match timing: 12.30 pm EDT, 10 pm IST
Live telecast: USA - Tennis Channel/ESPN | India - Star Sports/Disney+ Hotstar VIP
Alexander Zverev vs Alejandro Davidovich Fokina preview
Germany's Number 5 seed Alexander Zverev takes on Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina on Sunday, in the fourth round of the 2020 US Open.
Zverev's third round match against Adrian Mannarino looked too close for comfort in the first two sets. But the German broke at the best possible time in the second set, crushing the Frenchman's spirits, to level the match after losing the first in a tiebreak.
The next two sets were smooth sailing for Zverev, who closed out the match in the fourth set.
Alexander Zverev will now look for the best result of his career at the US Open by reaching the last eight, but has breakout star Alejandro Davidovich Fokina as a significant hurdle.
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina continued his dream fortnight at the US Open, reaching the second week of the Grand Slam for the first time in his career with a four-set win over Cam Norrie in the third round.
Davidovich Fokina took the first set in a tiebreak, and quickly recovered from a second set setback; he won the next two sets for a combined loss of three games. Reaching the quarterfinal in just his third main draw Slam appearance would be icing on the cake to what has already been a spectacular week for the Spaniard.
Just like his fourth round opponent Zverev, Davidovich Fokina didn't have a single straight-sets win in the opening week. He has dropped a total of four sets so far, playing a five-setter in the first round.
Alexander Zverev vs Alejandro Davidovich Fokina head-to-head
The head-to-head between Alexander Zverev and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina currently stands at 0-0, as the two NextGen players have never faced each other before.
Alexander Zverev vs Alejandro Davidovich Fokina prediction
Alexander Zverev has dropped a set in each of his three matches in the opening week. But all of those matches saw a similar pattern; the 23-year-old has shown immense problem-solving ability after dropping a set, to coast through Sets 3 and 4 and steer clear of having to go the distance.
While double faults remain a big concern for Zverev, his forehand and defense have been assets. As usual, his big first serves have repeatedly gotten him out of trouble in crucial service games.
Unlike Zverev, Alejandro Davidovich Fokina doesn't boast a big first serve. The Spaniard largely depends on his groundstrokes and movement to win points.
Davidovich Fokina is popularly known as 'The Drop Shot King' on the tour for his ability to hit precise drop shots from anywhere on the court.
A first time encounter against such a player can potentially trouble Zverev, who is often vulnerable against low balls. But as long as Zverev is striking the ball with confidence, he should be able to solve the Davidovich Fokina curve-ball as the match progresses.
Prediction: Alexander Zverev to win in four sets.