Miami Day 8 previews: Zverev vs. Khachanov, Sakkari vs. Rybakina, De Minaur vs. Marozsan

Alexander Zverev vs. Karen Khachanov

Not only did they turn pro the same year, but they both tower the world at 6’6’’. Big serves are guaranteed, as well as athletic baseline-game showings.

It’s been nearly three years since these two players faced off, with Zverev triumphing in the gold-medal match at the Tokyo Olympics. Many moons have passed since then, and in that time, both of their games have continued to develop.

Zverev is hoping to make the quarterfinals here for the third time. Last time Khachavov advanced to this stage, he stretched his run to the semifinals. This should be an exciting match between two players eager to reclaim a piece of Masters 1000 hardware. Winner: Zverev

Although Sakkari’s only win is sandwiched between Rybakina’s two victories in their head-to-head series, the Greek cannot be counted out of this match. She’s reached two of the last three BNP Paribas Open finals, and is carrying her final achievement into the second week of Miami. Not to mention that David Witt is now in her corner, whose belief in Sakkari’s ability is nearly as intense as her on-court presence.

Still, Sakkari has a tough challenge in front of her. Rybakina, already with two titles to her name this season, is heating up once again after returning from an illness. After surviving a pair of three-setters, the world no. 4 produced a 6-3, 7-5 victory over fellow baseline powerhouse Madison Keys. Rybakina finds ways to win at Hard Rock Stadium, coming within a victory of completing the Sunshine Double last year. Winner: Rybakina

Alex de Minaur vs. Fabian Marozsan

These two have played once before, just six months ago in the second round of Shanghai when Marozsan defeated De Minaur in straight sets. What’s interesting about this fourth-round match is how De Minaur’s trajectory has changed for the better since that defeat.

He started off the year representing Australia at the United Cup, where the Sydney native defeated three Top 10 players in six days. That level was a sign of more to come, with the newest member of the Top 10 leading the ATP in match wins (19) going into Tuesday's action.

De Minaur won't be overlooking the Hungarian, as the 24-year-old has enjoyed quite the debut run at this tournament. Guaranteed to shatter the career-high ranking of No. 57 he had coming in, Marozsan completed a 6-1, 6-1 stunner over No. 6 seed Holger Rune in the previous round. Both players are riding a momentum train, making for a must-see battle with a quarterfinal spot on the line. Wiinner: De Minaur