(Tennis news) The 12-ranked Zverev is coming off a Cincinnati semifinal appearance in which he lost to eventual champion Novak Djokovic and had his season record slip to 38-20.
After a protracted injury layoff, the 26-year-old made his competitive debut at the inaugural United Cup Down Under. He needed some time to find his rhythm; he won just three of his first nine matches before making it to the semifinals in Dubai.
Before Zverev advanced to the fourth round in Madrid and Rome, a few more opponents made early exits. He later advanced to three semifinals in a row, at Geneva, Roland Garros, and Halle, before taking home his first championship of the year in Hamburg.
Due to an injury, the 2020 Flushing Meadows finalist missed last year’s competition but advanced to the semifinals in his final outing in 2021. In this competition, he had an 18-7 record.
The 51st-ranked Vukic, who has a 10-12 record in 2023, is currently coming off a run to the second round at Winston-Salem this week. The 27-year-old has improved after a sluggish start to the year, reaching the Atlanta final and advancing from qualifying to reach the fourth round of the Canadian Open.
After losing in the first round of qualifying last year, Vukic is making his US Open debut this year.
Head-to-Head
Since this is their first encounter, their head-to-head score is 0-0.
Prediction
Similar in their game styles, both players like dominating opponents from the baseline. They both have strong serves, strong hitting from either flank, and fluid mobility.
Zverev, however, has the advantage with to his superior background, pedigree, experience, and consistency, particularly on hardcourts where he has a 216-103 record and 13 titles. Vukic, on the other hand, appears to be only 16 or 17.
In addition, Zverev has greater expertise in the Grand Slam finals after making it to the US Open final and several other Slam semifinals. The German is likely to win.
Alexander Zverev straight sets.
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