2021 Madrid Open Quarter-Final – Rafael Nadal vs Alexander Zverev Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
Where is Rafael Nadal vs Alexander Zverev taking place? Park Manzanares, Madrid, Spain
When is Rafael Nadal vs Alexander Zverev on and what time does it start? Friday 7th May, 2021 – Not before 14:00 (UK)
What surface is Rafael Nadal vs Alexander Zverev being played on? Clay (outdoor)
Where can I get tickets for Rafael Nadal vs Alexander Zverev? Click here for the latest ticket information
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 in the UK? Amazon Prime subscribers can stream the match live on Prime Video. Tennis TV subscribers can also stream the match live
THE PREDICTION
World number two Rafael Nadal was not at his best versus Alexei Popyrin in the round of 16 but still came through in comfortable straight sets and that should concern the rest of the draw here in Madrid. The Spaniard is enjoying playing in front of a limited but noisy crowd and the loss of Stefanos Tsistipas and Daniil Medvedev yesterday makes his chance at taking the title for a sixth career time all the more feasible. He will still have to get past world number six Alexander Zverev though, also a former Madrid champion, who upped his level in a quality round of 16 clash with Dan Evans on Thursday evening to come through in two. The German has beaten Nadal twice before, and in both of the last two meetings, but never on clay and it is not a total surprise that Zverev’s two victories have come on an indoor hard courts in London and Paris. In this arena and as the challenge gets more and more difficult we are likely to see 34-year-old Nadal evolve into his superior form, like we did in Barcelona two weeks ago. There is plenty of scope for this match going to three sets so take an outright win for Nadal here, or the much riskier 2-1 win for the Spaniard.
