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
© Imago
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.
