Anyone familiar with the last two match-ups between Alexander Zverev and Tallon Griekspoor will look forward to Wednesday's Paris Masters second-round encounter.
Recent meetings have been gruelling, with the German triumphing in a thrilling three-set battle in Shanghai following a topsy-turvy tussle at Roland Garros, and he aims to secure his fourth victory over the Dutch player this season.
Match preview
With Zverev's place at the ATP Finals in Turn already assured, the world No. 3's ambition in Paris is clinching a second title in 2024 and 23rd overall.
The 27-year-old's first season came in Rome in May at a Masters event, the sixth of his career, and he enters the final ATP 1000 tournament aspiring to win a seventh.
Having had a bye in the opening round, the 22-time ATP Tour winner's tournament opener pits him against an opponent he fares well against.
However, recent matches between both men have shown that Griekspoor is closing in on a second victory over Zverev, having taken the world No. 3 to five sets at Roland Garros and three sets in a tight battle in Shanghai at the start of the month.
The German player dug deep to claim two tie-breaks in his fourth consecutive success over the Dutch player before falling to David Goffin in the last 16 to end hopes of a first success in Shanghai.
Although he bids for a first crown in Paris this week, Griekspoor is a tricky opponent with the tools to be problematic for the former semi-finalist and finalist.
The Dutch player notched a tournament-opening 6-3, 6-4 success over Luciano Darderi on Monday to advance to another possible thriller against Zverev.
The seeded player lauded his 28-year-old opponent following their last tour meeting in China, even if it was nothing but a consolation for the world No. 39 after another defeat to the two-time Grand Slam finalist.
Griekspoor's latest win over Darderi took him to 32-27 for the season, highlighting the oscillating performances leading up to the ATP 1000 tournament.
Given his balanced 8-8 record in ATP 1000 events in 2024, the two-time tour-level champion faces an uphill battle against Zverev, who has had his number in recent encounters, winning their last four matches.
Tournament so far
Alexander Zverev:
First round: Bye
Tallon Griekspoor:
First round: vs. Luciano Darderi 6-3 6-4
Head To Head
Shanghai Masters (2024) - Third round: Zverev 7-6(6) 2-6 7-6(5)
Roland Garros (2024) - Third round: Zverev 3-6 6-4 6-2 4-6 7-6(3)
Indian Wells (2024) - Round of 32: Zverev 7-6(7) 6-3
Canadian Open (2023) - Round of 64: Zverev 6-4 7-6(3)
Rotterdam (2023) - Round of 16: Griekspoor 4-6 6-3 6-4
Wimbledon (2021) - First round: Zverev 6-3 6-4 6-1
Although he has lost four on the trot against Zverev and trails 1-5 in their head-to-head, Griekspoor has taken his past two matches with Zverev to a decider.
Despite occasional strong performances, the Dutchman's 3-24 record against top-10 players underscores the significant gap between him and the very best in the world.
His next opponent enters Wednesday's match with a 23-7 record at Masters tournaments in 2024 and 12-6 in Paris before a seventh meeting with Griekspoor.
We say: Zverev to win in three sets
If recent meetings between these players indicate what to expect, another three-setter could be in the offing. Regardless, we back Zverev to edge the round two match to advance to the third round in Paris as he continues a bid for a second crown this year.
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