Rafael Khodar vs Alexander Zverev prediction and betting tips - June 2, 2025
Rafael Khodar
Alexander Zverev
On January 2, Rafael Khodar and Alexander Zverev will square off in their Roland Garros quarterfinal. Here’s my take on how this showdown could unfold.
Khodar keeps surprising
Few had heard of the young Spaniard before this season, which isn’t surprising given he started the year ranked 168th and now sits comfortably inside the top 30. Khodar has been especially impressive on clay, capturing the title in Marrakech, making a semifinal run in Barcelona, and reaching the quarterfinals in both Rome and Madrid.
It’s also worth noting his age—he turns 20 this September—making him one of the sport’s rising stars. Khodar’s Roland Garros journey hasn’t been a walk in the park. He opened with a confident win over American Kovacevic—6:1, 6:0, 6:4—followed by a four-set victory against Australia’s Duckworth—6:1, 6:7, 6:4, 7:5. He then survived two five-set marathons, first against American Michelsen—7:6, 6:7, 4:6, 6:3, 6:3—and then versus compatriot Carreno Busta—4:6, 4:6, 6:1, 6:2, 6:2.
Zverev chasing his first slam
The German star needs no introduction; since 2016, Zverev has finished outside the top 10 only once. Despite his illustrious career, he’s yet to win a Grand Slam, though he has appeared in major finals—including the Roland Garros final in 2024.
Currently ranked world No. 3, Zverev remains the highest seed left after several top contenders crashed out. He hasn’t claimed a title this season, though he’s made it deep in multiple events, including a runner-up finish to Sinner in Madrid.
So far in Paris, Zverev has cruised without major trouble, dropping just one set in four matches. He defeated France’s Bonzi—6:3, 6:4, 6:2, Czech Machač—6:4, 6:2, 6:2, France’s Ali—6:4, 6:3, 5:7, 6:2, and the Netherlands’ De Jong—7:6, 6:4, 6:1.
Prediction
These two have never faced each other before, and Zverev comes in as the favorite. It’s tough to know what to expect—everyone is aware of Zverev’s level, but Khodar remains a bit of an unknown despite his deep run. I’m anticipating a tough, unpredictable battle where it’s hard to predict the script. My pick: total games over 35.5 at a solid working odds.
