Andy Murray vs Alexander Zverev Prediction & Betting Tips - ATP Indian Wells

Prediction published on 11/10/2021, 17:30  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 11/10/2021 at 18:33 in Tennis Predictions

Andy Murray has made it to the third round of the Indian Wells tournament. His run looks likely to come to an end though as he faces third seeded Alexander Zverev. The winner of this match takes on either 14th seeded Gael Monfils or Kevin Anderson. Murray has had wins over Adrian Mannarino and 30th seed Carlos Alcarez. He beat Mannarino in straight sets but had to come from behind to beat Alcarez in three hard fought sets. You might suppose that reaching the third round of a Masters event might be helping Murray back up the rankings. He started this tournament in 121st position but in the live rankings is down to 172nd. Why? Well, he's dropping a lot of points from his European Open win two years ago. He is up to 106th in terms of ranking points earned this year. Murray has been showing improved form and reached the quarter finals in Metz last month. 

He's going to struggle against world number four Alexander Zverev. Murray is getting better but he's more a 30-40 ranked player than one of the very best in the world. Zverev is the Olympic Champion and since t then has won the Cincinnati Masters and reached the semi-finals of the US Open. He may have won the Cincinnati tournament this year but in 2020 he lost there to Murray. The Scot also beat Zverev five years ago. Zverev had a tricky second round match in this tournament beating rising star Jenson Brooksby in three sets (middle set lost). He should be able to get the better of Murray who is playing his third match of the tournament. Back Zverev to win in straight sets.