Taylor Fritz vs. Alexander Zverev Prediction: Fritz Willing to Close the Gap on Zverev

World No. 9 Taylor Fritz will face World No. 12 Alexander Zverev in Group C in Sydney on the sixth day of the 2023 United Cup, which begins on Monday, January 2.

Taylor Fritz won his singles and mixed doubles bouts against the Czech Republic on Thursday and Friday, respectively, to help Team USA win the tie 4-1.

In the singles competition, the World No. 9, who is coming off a stellar 2022 season, required only one hour and 16 minutes to defeat Jiri Lehecka in straight sets. Fritz broke the world number 81 once in each set and saved both break points he faced in the match to win 6-3, 6-4.

On Friday, the 25-year-old American won the mixed doubles competition with Jessica Pegula, defeating the Czech pair of Lehecka and Marie Bouzkova 2-6, 6-3, 10-7.

The American won three victories last year, including his first ATP 1000 victory at Indian Wells, after having only one title prior to the start of the 2022 season.

Fritz concluded the season with a 46-21 record, breaking into the top 10 for the first time last year. He won the Indian Wells championship by defeating Rafael Nadal in the final, as well as the Eastbourne and Tokyo titles by defeating Maxime Cressy and Frances Tiafoe, respectively.

He was also a semifinalist at the ATP Finals and is spearheading the American effort at the United Cup alongside Jessica Pegula. 

Alexander Zverev returned to action after being sidelined by an injury, but he was defeated in straight sets by Jiri Lehecka of the Czech Republic in a Group C match in Sydney.

The German, ranked 12th in the world, created seven break points in the match, but just one of them was converted. Lehecka, on the other hand, had eight opportunities to break the German and converted on half of them.

The Czech, who won 77% of his points on his first delivery, defeated the 25-year-old in an hour and 30 minutes, 6-4, 6-2.

Zverev was sidelined for six months after tearing three ligaments in his right ankle during a June quarterfinal against Rafael Nadal at the French Open. In September, he had bone edema, further delaying his return to court.

Zverev, a two-time ATP Finals winner and Olympic gold medalist, was 29-10 during the injury-plagued 2022 season. The 19-time tour-level winner reached the finals in Montpellier and Madrid, where he was defeated by Alexander Bublik and Carlos Alcaraz, respectively.

He also reached three semifinals before being sidelined by injury at Monte Carlo, Rome, and Roland Garros.

While Fritz is in peak form, Zverev is rusty and will require more matches to reclaim his pre-injury form. This match should be one-sided, with Fritz prevailing in straight sets.

• Total Over 22.5 for 1.88
• Handiсap Taylor Harry Fritz (-3.5) for 1.864
• Individual Total 1 Under 12.5 for 2.05