Alexander Zverev vs Francisco Cerundolo Preview & Prediction | 2026 Australian Open | Round of 16
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Alexander Zverev faces Francisco Cerundolo at the 2026 Australian Open.
Start date/time:
Venue: Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia
Surface: Outdoor hard
How to watch on TV: UK – TNT Sports / USA – ESPN
How to watch online: UK – discovery+ / USA – ESPN+ & Tennis Channel
Tickets: Visit this link for the latest Alexander Zverev vs Francisco Cerundolo ticket information
Alexander Zverev vs Francisco Cerundolo prediction
Francisco Cerundolo is currently delivering the sort of powerhouse tennis that has some observers tipping him to shock Alexander Zverev and reach his first ever Grand Slam quarter final.
The Argentine’s humongous plus-one forehand has been purring so far in Melbourne with the 18th seed posting three straight sets wins in a row, including an impressive 6-3 7-6 6-3 triumph over Andrey Rublev.
The South American also boasts a 3-2 lead over world number three, Zverev in their head-to-head. However, a closer-look shows the German has won the last two and is 2-0 on hardcourts.
The surface may well be a decisive factor here. Cerundolo has only ever defeated the third seed on clay and Zverev’s serve is more potent and reliable than the Argentine’s with the court speed likely to enable him to land the big delivery to earn more cheap and clutch points.
It could be argued that Zverev has been calmly going about his business without catching the eye so far. That is true, but it is perhaps a positive rather than any sort of negative. The 2025 runner-up has won all of his matches in four sets but his backhand and serve were particularly strong in his victory against a fired-up Cameron Norrie.
The 28-year-old’s relaxed approach could be paying dividends for him to peak as the tournament develops and we are expecting him to deny Cerundolo that maiden appearance in the last eight at a major, although there's a significant chance there will be a tie-break and that he will drop a set once again.
Alexander Zverev vs Francisco Cerundolo tip: Alexander Zverev to win
