Carlos Alcaraz (Spain) vs Roman Safiullin (Independent Neutral Athlete)
Wednesday, July 31, 2024
Carlos Alcaraz -3333 / Roman Safiullin +1184 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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Carlos Alcaraz will face Roman Safiullin in the round of 16 of the 2024 Paris Olympics tennis tournament. The match is scheduled for Wednesday, July 31, 2024. Here's our Carlos Alcaraz vs Roman Safiullin prediction.
Carlos Alcaraz vs Roman Safiullin Preview
Carlos Alcaraz safely progressed into the round of 16 in singles with a 6-1, 7-6 victory over Tallon Griekspoor of the Netherlands. The Spaniard picked up where he left off from his opening match as he sped to win the first set in half an hour.
But neither player dropped serve in a tight second set, where Alcaraz was required to save a set point in the 10th game to hold for 5-5. Eventually, a tiebreak was needed to settle matters. Alcaraz dominated, clinching four mini-breaks to complete a straight-sets victory. He will meet Roman Safiullin next.
Roman Safiullin is competing as a neutral athlete because of his nationality (Russian). The World No. 66 doesn't have a great track record of excelling on clay, more so at the French Open, where his best result remains a second-round finish in four visits. But he's exceeded expectations competing at Stade Roland Garros this week.
He's accounted for massive wins over two South American clay-court specialists. Safiullin upset the high-flying Alejandro Tabilo in the opening round and then pulled off an even bigger shock when he beat Tomas Martin Etcheverry in the second round. He's done so without dropping a set.
Carlos Alcaraz vs Roman Safiullin Head-To-Head
• Safiullin shockingly defeated Alcaraz in their only meeting at the 2023 Paris Masters.
Carlos Alcaraz vs Roman Safiullin Prediction
Let's be honest for a second. When the draw was released, Roman Safiullin was not expected to reach this far. Having both Tabilo and Etcheverry lurking in his section was akin to mission impossible. But that's the beauty of tennis, where form and experience can count for nothing when the opponent has self-belief and is not missing a shot. Alcaraz will definitely be wary of the Russian's potential, as he was on the receiving end of a barrage of big hitting at the Paris Masters last year when he lost to Safiullin. The surface will make all the difference in their rematch, and I'm backing Alcaraz to ease into the last eight.
Nur’s Pick Under 20.5 games in the match
AUTHOR: Nur Said
