French Open 2024 quarter-final preview, live analysis and prediction

Alexander Zverev vs Alex de Minaur: Preview of the quarterfinals of the French Open 2024

In the eagerly awaited quarterfinals of the 2024 French Open, world number four Alexander Zverev will face the dynamic Australian Alex de Minaur.

This fight promises to be an exciting display of skill and determination as both players vie for a coveted spot in the semi-finals.

Alexander Zverev’s path to the quarterfinals

Zverev’s impressive performance

Alexander Zverev has demonstrated remarkable resilience and skill throughout the tournament.

His journey began with an overwhelming victory over The 22-time major champion Rafael Nadal in his opening matchand thus set the tone for his election campaign.

Zverev followed with a convincing victory in two sets against David Goffinwhich further cements his status as a serious contender.

A grueling fight against Griekspoor

In the third round, Zverev faced a tough challenge against 26th seed Tallon Griekspoor. In a grueling five-set match, Zverev proved his tenacity and stamina to eventually secure his place in the fourth round.

This match was a real test of his physical and mental strength as he narrowly defeated Griekspoor in a nerve-wracking finish.

Showdown with Holger Rune

The fourth round encounter with 13th seed Holger Rune was another epic battle for Zverev. Despite an initial setback in the first set, Zverev recovered with a dominant performance in the second set, dropping just one game.

Rune won the third set, but Zverev’s resilience showed as he leveled the match in a thrilling fourth set tiebreak. In the final set, Zverev prevailed against Rune, culminating in in a hard-fought 4-6, 6-1, 5-7, 7-6 (2), 6-2 victory.

Alex de Minaur’s path to the quarter-finals

De Minaur’s steady rise

Alex de Minaur also had an impressive run at the 2024 French Open. His journey began with a solid win over Alex Michelsen, followed by wins against Jaume Munar and Jan-Lennard Struff.

These early round successes set the stage for his fourth-round clash with the impressive fifth seed Daniil Medvedev.

Defeat Medvedev

In the fourth round, de Minaur faced a tough test against Medvedev. Although he lost the first set due to an early break, the Australian showed his fighting spirit.

He fended off a crucial break point in the fourth game of the second set and then took the lead with four consecutive wins to take the set.

De Minaur continued his dominance, losing only one game in the third set and maintaining his momentum to win the fourth set. His 4-6, 6-2, 6-1, 6-3 victory about Medvedev was a testament to his strategic skills and tireless drive.

Tactical Breakdown: What to Expect

Zverev’s power vs. De Minaur’s speed

This quarter-final duel will be a fascinating contrast of styles. Alexander Zverev is known for his powerful baseline game and his impressive serve, with which he can overwhelm his opponents.

His ability to hit deep, penetrating shots will be crucial in dictating the tempo of the match. Zverev’s recent performances highlight his improved mental strength, a key factor in matches where the stakes are high.

Alex de Minaur, on the other hand, is known for his exceptional speed and agility on the pitch. His defensive skills and ability to counter-attack make him a challenging opponent for anyone.

De Minaur’s tireless energy and court coverage will be crucial in prolonging rallies and forcing Zverev to make mistakes.

Paul is a legend!!! 👊🙌 We’ll keep going!!!

— Alex de Minaur (@alexdeminaur) June 3, 2024

Key strategies

It will be crucial for Zverev to maintain a high percentage of first serves and make the most of his powerful groundstrokes.

He will need to try to dominate early rallies and avoid getting drawn into long exchanges where de Minaur can take advantage of his speed. Zverev’s play at the net could also be a deciding factor, as moving closer to the net will allow him to finish his points more efficiently.

De Minaur, meanwhile, needs to focus on his return game to neutralize Zverev’s serve. Consistent depth in his returns can put Zverev under pressure.

In addition, de Minaur should try to vary his shots and use his speed to create angles and disrupt Zverev’s rhythm. Patience will be key as de Minaur will want to outlast Zverev in longer rallies.

A close competition

Given their respective strengths and recent performances, this match promises to be a hard-fought affair. Zverev’s experience and power give him a slight advantage, but de Minaur’s tenacity and speed can turn the tide in his favor.

The outcome could depend on who can execute their game plan more effectively under pressure.

Possible scenarios

1. Zverev dominates early: If Zverev can gain control with his serve and aggressive baseline play, he could potentially win in straight sets. His power game could overwhelm de Minaur, especially if Zverev avoids long rallies.
2. De Minaur’s resilience prevails: Conversely, if de Minaur can survive Zverev’s initial onslaught and extend the match into an endurance battle, his superior fitness and defensive skills could see him take the thrilling five-set thriller to victory.
3. Balanced duel: The most likely scenario is an even match where both players have their moments. In such a case, mental strength and game-winning play in key moments are crucial.