Alexander Zverev vs Christopher O'Connell Prediction & Betting Tips - ATP Indian Wells

Prediction published on 07/03/2024, 03:18  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 07/03/2024 at 04:18 in ATP Indian Wells Predictions

Sixth seed Alexander Zverev has had a good year so far and will look to go deep at Indian Wells. He takes on unseeded Christopher O'Connell in round two of this outdoor hard court Masters tournament. For the winner there's a match in the last 32 against either 27th seed Tallon Griekspoor or unseeded Yannick Hanfmann. Only three players have earned more ranking points than Zverev this year. 2024 began in style with him winning four out of five singles matches as he helped Germany win the United Cup, His wins included defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas and Hubert Hurkacz. More success followed in the Australian Open where he reached the sem-finals and knocked out both Carlos Alcaraz and Cameron Norrie. He led Daniil Medvedev two sets to love  in his semi-final but ended up losing in five. Zverev also reached the last four in Los Cabos but last week was beaten in round one in Acapulco by Daniel Altmaier.

Christopher O'Connell was ranked 66th at the start of this tournament but is up to 63rd in the live rankings after his first round win over Jack Draper. The Australian has reached one quarter final this year, that being in Adelaide. A win here could see him facing Ben Shelton in round three and he lost to the American at this year's Australian Open in his second match. His last two tournaments have both seen him exit at the last 16 stage. He's 1-1 in previous meetings with Zverev but his win came on clay. The other saw Zverev win on an outdoor hard court without dropping a set. We predict Zverev can win this match in straight sets.