Alexander Zverev vs Nuno Borges - Italian Open Rome Tennis Prediction and Pick 5/14/24
Alexander Zverev vs Nuno Borges
Tuesday, May 14, 2024
Alexander Zverev -714 / Nuno Borges +450 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Where to Watch: USA: Tennis Channel Plus, UK: Sky Tennis, Global: Tennis TV
Fifth seed and former champion Alexander Zverev will face Portugal's No. 1 Nuno Borges in the fourth round of the 2024 Italian Open Rome. The match is scheduled for Tuesday, May 14, 2024. Here's our Alexander Zverev vs Nuno Borges prediction.
Alexander Zverev vs Nuno Borges Preview
With the world's top three and 10-time former champion Rafael Nadal currently out of Rome, Alexander Zverev is probably the big favorite to win the Italian Open for a second time. The big-serving German has flown under the radar, which has only been a welcome vote of confidence given how well he has played to reach the fourth-round stage. Zverev started his campaign a week ago by demolishing Aleksandar Vukic 6-0, 6-4. He did survive a tight first set against home player Luciano Darderi, which lasted an hour before he prevailed in a tie-break. From there, Zverev went into overdrive as he broke the Italian twice in the second set to seal victory.
Nuno Borges is firmly Portugal's best player. He is guaranteed to re-enter the world's Top 50 after Rome, regardless of Tuesday's result. He's clearly not looking to end his fairytale run at the Italian Open as he seeks a first quarterfinal at this level. The 27-year-old has pulled the rabbit out of the hat all tournament, managing to stave off match points against Pedro Martinez in his first match and Francesco Passaro in the third round. It's easy to forget that his best win was sandwiched by those two escapes because he beat World No. 17 Alexander Bublik in the second round in straight sets.
Alexander Zverev vs Nuno Borges Head-To-Head
• Zverev and Borges have not met at any level before this.
• Zverev is 6-3 on clay this season, and his best result is coming in Munich (quarterfinal).
• Borges is 8-4 on clay this season, reaching a quarterfinal in Estoril.
Alexander Zverev vs Nuno Borges Prediction
If Borges pulled this off, it would be a monumental upset, right up there with Tabilo's shock win over Djokovic. But there is no indication that it will happen. Zverev senses this is his best chance to add to his Masters collection, with all the favorites either eliminated or not playing in this tournament.