Another drawn-out fight between those two again?

The Dutchman is getting his colors and his certainties back in conditions he loves — enough to push the German to the very limit?

10th meeting in three years between these two—they just can’t quit each other—and the least we can say is they keep serving up great battles. If you exclude the retirement at Roland, there’s always been at least one tiebreak. I really like what I’m seeing from Griekspoor at this tournament: the level is there, the attitude that’s been lacking in recent months has been spot-on so far, and the conditions suit him perfectly. I told you to back his win over Nakashima, which he handled cleanly, and I now see him as a very live underdog!

As for Zverev, after a very tricky first round, he reassured himself with a very routine win over Arnaldi, who was only a very mild threat in these conditions. Even so, I didn’t find Zverev excellent—let’s say solid, doing what was needed to secure a comfortable win—but as you’ve gathered, I think the opposition will be very different and much tougher this Friday.

Head-to-head wise, Griekspoor plays on the front foot, doesn’t overthink, and leans on a big serve, which prevents Zverev from settling into the long rallies he loves, making him dangerous for the German.

What are the books offering us?