Alexander Zverev will take on Grigor Dimitrov in the semi-final of the Chengdu Open. Here is our preview of the battle between two highly-ranked players at the ATP 250 event.

World No. 10 and top seed Zverev has had a successful season as of late - he has been climbing back up the ATP Ranking after he reached the semi-final of the ATP Masters 1000 Cincinnati Open in August, before making it to the quarter-finals of the US Open.

Meanwhile, World No. 20 and third seed Dimitrov has had some highs and lows, making it to the semi-final of the DC Open but being ousted in the first round at Cincinnati and the third round of the New York major earlier this month. However, he recently made it to the final of the Ultimate Tennis Showdown (UTS) in Frankfurt.

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Dimitrov has cleaner run but Zverev dominates head-to-head

So far at the Sichuan International Tennis Center, Zverev has ousted Pavel Kotov and seventh seed Miomir Kecmanovic. Both of these matches became more difficult for the German player than most fans were expecting, as Zverev ended up having to play to three sets both times. 

While he has seemed frustrated, he has always found a way to get back in the game. However, this may be more tricky to do if he finds himself a set down against the third seed. Moreover, it will mean he is less well-rested than Dimitrov, who swept past his first two opponents - Juan Pablo Varillas and Christopher O'Connell - in straight sets.

Nevertheless, Zverev's track record against Dimitrov is very impressive. They have faced each other seven times before, with the former World No. 2 leading their head-to-head 6-1. In fact, Zverev has won every single one of their meetings since 2016, suggesting that he will be confident about his chances in their clash at Chengdu today.

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Furthermore, Zverev has emerged victorious against Dimitrov twice in recent weeks. He defeated the Bulgarian player 6-2, 6-2 in the Cincinnati Masters Round of 64, before moving past him in four sets in the third round of the US Open.

Both players like to serve big and hit powerfully and both have solid court coverage. However, Zverev's consistency, experience, and momentum against Dimitrov suggest that while his opponent will probably put up a fight, Zverev is likely to progress to the final of the Chengdu Open.

Prediction: Alexander Zverev to win in three sets.

ken mckinnon

@kenmckinnon13

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ATP 250 Chengdu Open Popcorn match for tomorrow Alexander Zverev vs Grigor Dimitrov

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