Tommy Paul v Alexander Zverev: Prediction, Tips and Odds

World number two Alexander Zverev defeated Carlos Alcaraz to make the semi-final of the Australian Open last year and he will be hoping to make the final four again at Melbourne Park with victory over American ace Tommy Paul.

The German’s run to the French Open final in 2024 suggests that he is edging ever closer to that elusive Grand Slam title, but he is relying on the likes of Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic to falter.

Zverev has been a model of consistency in Majors in recent seasons, reaching the quarter-finals in 11 of his last 18 Grand Slam appearances and he understandably starts a warm favourite to overcome the challenge of Paul.

That said, Paul was an Australian Open semi-finalist in his own right two years ago and he has won both previous meetings with the German, with the two encounters taking place on a hard court just like this.

Zverev will be tough to beat and has dropped only one set across his four tournament victories, but Paul’s 6-1 6-1 6-1 demolition of Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the last round suggests he is getting stronger and should also be brimming with confidence.

Tommy Paul v Alexander Zverev betting tips and predictions

Over 39.5 games - 5/6

Zverev supporters have every reason to believe that he can come through this test with Paul, but the American thrives under these quick conditions and may not go down without a fight.

Paul is very much a hard-court specialist, highlighted by his run to the final four here two seasons ago and he will be buoyed by the fact that he has won both meetings with Zverev on this surface.

The American was a little rusty in his opening two matches, needing five sets to see off home favourite Christopher O'Connell before having to come from behind to win in four against Kei Nishikori.

However, Paul has since eased past Roberto Carballes Baena and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, who was only able to win three games despite having upset Felix Auger Aliassime in an earlier round.

The American has dropped only two service games in those last two victories and his strong serving should ensure he puts plenty of pressure on Zverev, who required four sets to see off Ugo Humbert in round four.

So, with both players perhaps fresher than they would have expected to be ahead of a quarter-final at a Grand Slam, it could turn into quite a battle with five sets a strong possibility.

That makes over 39.5 games an interesting alternative to backing Zverev, especially when you consider how hard breaks of serve may be to come by.

Over 21.5 aces - 5/6

With a long, hard-fought encounter anticipated, going over 21.5 aces should reap rewards for bettors.

Zverev had 19 aces in his fourth-round victory over Humbert, a match which featured 31 aces, while he also had 18 in claiming the scalp of opening opponent Lucas Pouille.

The German should soon eat into that total, while Paul is also capable of keeping tabs on him in the ace department, having compiled 38 across his four Melbourne wins.

Five sets should see the pair comfortably surpass a total of 21, while even four sets would give it every chance, especially if there was to be a tiebreak or two along the way.

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Tommy Paul v Alexander Zverev odds

Tommy Paul - 12/5
Alexander Zverev - 1/3

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.