Paris Masters Semi-Final #2 Preview: Rafael Nadal vs Alexander Zverev

Top seed Rafael Nadal locks horns against fourth seed Alexander Zverev in the Paris Masters semifinals 

Key Insights

• Nadal leads the head to head record 5-1 against Zverev.
• Both the players are targetting their first title in Paris.
• Nadal is aiming for a record 36th ATP Masters 1000 title to tie the record with Novak Djokovic.
• This is Nadal's 5th semifinal in Paris.
• Zverev is playing his first semifinal in Paris.
• Nadal has won only 1 indoor ATP Title in his career, the 2005 Madrid Open.

After trailing by a set against his compatriot, Pablo Carreno Busta in the quarterfinals, Nadal fought back to take the second and third sets 7-5 and 6-1. 

Nadal's win eliminated Busta from contesting the Nitto ATP Finals scheduled later this month and handed Diego Schwartzman the last spot. 

After winning back to back titles in home conditions in Cologne, Zverev ousted Miomir Kecmanovic in straight sets, won a thrilling three-hour encounter against Adrian Mannarino in three sets, and outsmarted Stan Wawrinka in straight sets. 

The German is on a 10-match winning streak and his partnership with the veteran David Ferrer has worked wonders. 

Zverev's big serve which has smashed 34 aces in the tournament will be a key weapon against Nadal. His offensive approach from the baseline along with swift movement on the court and netplay will pose a huge challenge for the Spaniard. 

Nadal has earned a lot of easy points with his powerful first serve. His return of serve has been impressive and he has fought back from tough situations in his three matches. 

Zverev is also suffering from a groin injury during his quarterfinal and has to take care not to aggravate it ahead of the ATP Finals starting next week. 

"Against Nadal, you have to play very smart, maybe the best defender in our game, but I am not telling you the tactics", said Zverev indicating his game plan against Nadal. 

While Zverev is playing at a very high level, Nadal is showing signs of resurgence in his first hard-court tournament after eight months. Zverev is unbeaten on indoor hard courts this year and Nadal would look to end that streak tonight. 

Prediction - Rafael Nadal to win in three sets. 

Featured Image Credits - Getty Images