2020 Paris Masters Semi-Final – Rafael Nadal vs Alexander Zverev Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
Where is Rafael Nadal vs Alexander Zverev taking place? Palais omnisports de Paris-Bercy, Paris
When is Rafael Nadal vs Alexander Zverev on and what time does it start? Saturday 7th November, 2020 – not before 15:30 (UK)
What surface is Rafael Nadal vs Alexander Zverev being played on? Indoor hard
Where can I get tickets for Rafael Nadal vs Alexander Zverev? No tickets are available as the 2020 Paris Masters will be played without spectators
What channel is Rafael Nadal vs Alexander Zverev on? This match will not be televised live in the UK
Where can I stream Rafael Nadal vs Alexander Zverev? Amazon Prime subscribers can stream the match live via their platform
THE PREDICTION
World number two is on the hunt for a first Paris Masters title to go with his countless Roland-Garros trophies but came through to the semi-finals the long way around after conceding the first set of his quarter-final with Pablo Carreno Busta. The 34-year-old fought back well assuredly as his opposite Spaniard tired but PCB, like Feliciano Lopez and to an extent Jordan Thompson, showed that Nadal can be got at on this court. There has been talk this week of Nadal’s solitary indoor ATP title (2005 Madrid Masters) and his “point to prove” in these circumstances but having won his 1000th tour match on Tuesday he will probably see it differently. Nonetheless, it is interesting that Alexander Zverev, who came through convincingly against a resurgent Stan Wawrinka in two sets, claimed his only win over Nadal in their most recent match indoors at last year’s season-ending ATP Finals. The German is now on a 10-match unbeaten streak and looks completely dialled-in to the epilogue of this disjointed season. A result here is really in the balance. Nadal has occasionally wobbled this week but at no point yet has it looked like he would not come through and yet Alexander Zverev’s focus is such that an upset seems feasible.
It is hard to go against Nadal, and so opting for a different option might be more comfortable. For example, there have been three tiebreaks in Zverev’s three matches played this week and two for Nadal and there could well be another here. It is also likely that both players can take a set to force a decider. Both are good alternatives to go for instead of the inkling feeling that Zverev can repeat his performance from almost a year ago to beat Nadal indoors for a second time.
