Indian Wells 2022: Alexander Zverev vs Tommy Paul preview, head-to-head and prediction | BNP Paribas Open

Match Details

Fixture: (3) Alexander Zverev vs Tommy Paul

Date: 13 March 2022

Tournament: BNP Paribas Open

Round: Second round (Round of 64)

Venue: Indian Wells, California, USA

Category: ATP Masters 1000

Surface: Outdoor Hardcourt

Prize money: $8,369,455

Live telecast: USA - Tennis Channel & ESPN | UK - Amazon Prime Video | India - Voot

Alexander Zverev vs Tommy Paul preview

Alexander Zverev will look to have a good run in Indian Wells

Third seed Alexander Zverev will take on Tommy Paul in the second round of the Indian Wells Masters on Sunday.

The German started 2022 by winning two of his three matches in the ATP Cup. Zverev then reached the fourth round of the Australian after beating Daniel Altmaier, John Millman and Radu Albot. However, he lost to Denis Shapovalov in the fourth round in straight sets.

The 24-year-old was the top seed at the Open Sud de France and he reached the final after defeating Mackenzie McDonald, Mikael Ymer and Adrian Mannarino. However, he was stunned by Alexander Bublik in the title clash.

Zverev was seeded second at the Mexican Open and won his first match against Jenson Brooksby. However, he was disqualified from the competition due to unsportsmanlike behavior in his doubles match.

He will now be looking to get back to winning ways when he takes the court in Indian Wells.

Paul started 2022 at the Adelaide International, where he was the sixth seed. The American reached the quarterfinals of the tournament before losing to eventual champion Gael Monfils. The 24-year-old then reached the quarterfinals of the Adelaide International, but lost to fourth seed Marin Cilic.

Paul then suffered a second-round loss at the Australian Open after being beaten by Miomir Kecmanovic. The American followed it up by reaching the semifinals of the Delray Beach Open following straight-set wins over Denis Istomin and Stefan Kozlov. However, he lost to eventual champion Cameron Norrie.

Paul reached the quarterfinals of the Mexican Open after triumphing over Matteo Berrettini and Dusan Lajovic. The 24-year-old's run in the competition came to an end at the hands of Rafael Nadal, who went on to win the tournament.

Paul then entered the Indian Wells Masters and reached the second round after beating Mikhail Kukushkin 6-4, 6-4.

Alexander Zverev vs Tommy Paul head-to-head

Sunday's match in California will be the second meeting between the two players. Paul surprisingly emerged victorious in their only previous encounter, which was at the Mexican Open in 2020.

The winner of the match will take on either John Millman or Alex de Minaur in the third round.

Alexander Zverev vs Tommy Paul prediction

Zverev will look to start the Indian Wells Masters on a positive note following his antics at Acapulco. The 24-year-old will be the heavy favorite to win the match given his ranking and form.

Zverev will look to go for the jugular from the get-go and his powerful serve and groundstrokes will no doubt make things tough for Paul. The American will have to find a way to deal with the German's solid two-handed backhand that can do a lot of damage.

Paul will rely heavily on his powerful forehand to fetch points against Zverev. The American is also a fairly decent server and will look to power down a few aces as well.

Ultimately, Zverev should have little trouble getting the better of Paul and reaching the third round of the Indian Wells Masters.

Prediction: Zverev to win in straight sets.