One semi-final to preview from the Madrid Open today, and it's a fascinating one on paper, even if the result probably isn't. Let us know what you think.
Madrid Open Predictions
Alexander Blockx vs Alexander Zverev
Head-to-head: First meeting
Blockx getting to the semi-finals in Madrid at 21 years old and ranked 71 in the world is genuinely impressive, and nobody should take that away from him. But Zverev is a completely different level of opponent to anything he's faced this week and Madrid's slow clay plays right into Zverev's hands. He's become so good at grinding out long rallies without panicking, and on this surface in particular he's one of the hardest players in the world to break down.
Zverev has been in strong form all clay season and is clearly one of the favorites to win the whole thing here. Hard to see Blockx causing him many problems at all. Blockx has a big serve and can hit through opponents, but against a player of Zverev's defensive quality on slow red clay, that's a tough ask. That said, I think Zverev drops a set at some point, maybe when the nerves of the occasion get to him a little, but he should still find a way to get through here.
Prediction: Zverev in 3
For full predictions on ATP and WTA matches today, check out Uppset.
Credit Image: © Laurent Lairys/ZUMA Press Wire