Alexei Popyrin vs Zhizhen Zhang Prediction and Odds: Indian Wells 2023

UK: 18+ USA: 21+ | Begambleaware.org  | T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly

Highly rated Alexei Popyrin is set to face off against China’s Zhizhen Zhang in the first round of Indian Wells in the early hours of tomorrow morning. Both men are looking for a breakthrough tournament to move higher up in the rankings and this ATP 1000 event could be the one.

The odds in this article were correct at the time of writing, and odds are subject to change. We recommend checking with the bookmaker before placing the bet.

Alexei Popyrin vs Zhizhen Zhang – Match Predictions

Predicting tennis matches is never easy, especially when the two players involved are so evenly matched. Neither man has set the world alight so far this year but there is bags of potential in both of their games. Let’s take a closer look at our pre-match predictions:

Alexei Popyrin to win

Popyrin has had a mixed bag of results so far this year and only qualified for this event as a lucky loser after initially missing out in qualifying. He has played solely on hard courts since the turn of the year so should be well accustomed to the conditions.

Last time out, he lost to Taro Daniel in three sets and collapsed somewhat in the final set losing 6-1. The 23-year-old will want to right the wrongs of that match and we believe he will have too much for Zhang who, prior to the qualification matches for this event, had lost five of his last six matches.

Total sets – 3

To both these players’ credit, even when they do lose they usually make a fist of it. Despite losing five times already this year, Zhang has only failed to go the distance on one occasion. Two of his three victories in 2023 have also gone all the way to three sets.

While Popyrin doesn’t play three sets quite as much, three of his last six matches have gone all the way so there is plenty of reason to believe this one will too. When you also consider that they are only separated by eight spots in the world rankings, all signs point to a long three-setter.

Alexei Popyrin vs Zhizhen Zhang Preview

With our predictions locked in, let’s take a closer look at both players.

Alexei Popyrin

At 23, Popyrin is approaching an age where the word potential is going to have to be replaced with achievements. Throughout his young career, Popyrin has been touted as a potential superstar and a future Australian number one.

However, he is yet to make it into the world’s top 50 and he is currently even outside the world’s top 100. A win over Zhang could give him the confidence he needs to make a deep run at Indian Wells although he’ll have to get past Hubert Hurkacz in round two.

Zhizhen Zhang

Zhizhen Zhang is three years older than his opponent and has never made it higher than 91st in the ATP rankings. At 6ft 4 he relies on a strong service game to blow away opponents but when that isn’t firing he does struggle.

Alexei Popyrin vs Zhizhen Zhang Head to Head

In two previous meetings, Popyrin has come out on top on both occasions. Most recently, he defeated Zhang 6-2, 6-3 during qualifying for the Adelaide Open.

Alexei Popyrin vs Zhizhen Zhang Match Details

• What time does the match start? This match will start around 01:00 UK time on Friday the 10th of March.
• What court will the match be played on? The match will be played at Stadium 5 at Indian Wells.
• Where to watch Indian Wells 2023 in the UK? This match will be available on Amazon Prime for fans in the United Kingdom.

 

---

Subscribe to Punditfeed on Google News for all the latest updates from the world of sports!