Alexander Zverev v Diego Schwartzman ATP Cologne 2 Finals: Preview, Head-to-Head, Predictions

It’s time for the finals of the Bett1Hulks Championship, popularly knows as the ATP Cologne 2. The US Open 2020 runner up Alexander Zverev is up against French Open 2020 semi-finalist Diego Schwartzman.

The World No.7 Zverev already won the Bett1Hulks Indoors, the first stage of the tournament. He defeated Jannik Sinner in straight sets to seal his spot in the finals. On the other hand, Schwartzman defeated Felix Auger Aliassime in a close contest to cement his place in the finals.

Read More: Alexander Zverev eases past Jannik Sinner at ATP Cologne

Alexander Zverev v Diego Schwartzman: Preview

After his phenomenal play at the Italian Open 2020 and at Roland Garros 2020, Schwartzman has entered the top 10 in rankings for the first time. He is World No.9 at the moment.

Expert in taking the game deep and then winning long rallies, Schwartzman has the power to turn things around from any point in the game. He has a very nice return and his ability to hit the ball hard is something that proves beneficial for him.

Zverev, on the other hand, has an incisive serve. He has the momentum with him, playing the final after winning the Bell1Hulks Indoors recently.

Addiotionally, the German player has the home advantage. He knows the conditions well and has played on them on more occasions than Schwartzman. While the Argentine is playing on the hardcourt after coming straight from Paris, Zverev already has a fair idea of not only playing there but also playing a final there before.

However, the tall German does need to focus on one key issue. He hits the net very frequently, and hasn’t been the best when it comes to winning the net-points.

But, when it comes to chasing drops and covering the court, his agility is exceptional. Diego has to exploit it in order to give him a chance at the finals.

Zverev v Schwartzman: Head-to Head

The two players have faced each other on 3 occasions so far. Schwartzman has an upper edge as he leads 2-1.

Zverev’s only victory over the Argentine came on hardcourt indoors at the Rolex Paris Masters 2018. Their last meeting was at the US Open 2019 where Schwartzman was the winner.

This will be the fourth time that the two are going to face each other. While Zverev would try to level it at 2-2, Schwartzman’s aim would be to avenge his earlier defeat on the hardcourt indoors.

Zverev v Schwartzman: Predictions

Zverev will undoubtedly start as the favorite. The experience of a final, home conditions and his good form will aid him in this encounter.

However, Diego is a fighter, and a strong competitor. Apart from the US Open 2020, he has reached many semi-finals and finals but not able to finish on the winning side. This could be his moment.

The 28-year-old Schwartzman stunned the tennis world when he defeated Rafael Nadal on clay at the Italian Open 2020. He managed to reach the finals but lost to World No.1 Novak Djokovic in the finals. His match against US Open 2020 winner Dominic Thiem was where he showed how lethal and destructive he could be.

The player has the potential to hit the ball at the same speed throughout the match. He hardly gets tired. The only area which he should be looking forward to improve this time would be giving away points unnecessarily as happened during his match against Rafa at the French Open 2020. Zverev, on the other side, would just want to continue with his golden form.

The title at the ATP Cologne 1 was Zverev’s first ATP title in 2020. He currently has the momentum and just needs to go with the flow. Likewise, fans would not be shocked if Schwartzman lifts the title this time.