Belgrade Open 2024: Marin Cilic vs Jiri Lehecka preview, head-to-head, prediction and pick
Match Details
Fixture: (PR) Marin Cilic vs (4) Jiri Lehecka
Date: 5 November, 2024
Tournament: Belgrade Open 2024
Round: Second round (Round of 16)
Venue: Belgrade Arena, Belgrade, Serbia
Category: ATP 250
Surface: Hardcourt (Indoor)
Prize Money: $815629
Live Telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | UK - Sky UK | Canada - TSN
Marin Cilic vs Jiri Lehecka preview
Former World No. 3 Marin Cilic is set to face fourth seed Jiri Lehecka in a mouth-watering second-round clash at the Belgrade Open on Tuesday, November 5.
Cilic's 2024 season, hindered by injuries, had a notable highlight with a title win in Hangzhou, marking his first tour-level victory since 2021. In an impressive display, he ousted Zhang Zhizhen 7-6(5), 7-6(5) in the final, becoming the lowest-ranked ATP Tour champion since 1990. He also secured wins over Yoshihito Nishioka and Brandon Nakashima in that tournament.
Cilic has, however, struggled throughout the year, failing to notch a win in any of the other seven events he entered. He ended his losing streak this week in Belgrade by defeating Alexandre Muller 7-6(2), 6-3 in the first round.
Jiri Lehecka began his 2024 campaign on a high note, capturing his first ATP title in Brisbane with a come-from-behind victory over Jack Draper. He also reached the final of the European Open where he fell to Roberto Bautista Agut.
Lehecka showcased strong performances in Madrid, advancing to the semifinals, and made quarterfinal runs at both Indian Wells and Beijing. He last featured at the Paris Masters where he was eliminated in the first round by Draper.
Marin Cilic vs Jiri Lehecka head-to-head
Marin Cilic and Jiri Lehecka have yet to face off professionally, so their current head-to-head stands at a 0-0 deadlock.
Marin Cilic vs Jiri Lehecka odds
(Odds to be added once available)
Marin Cilic vs Jiri Lehecka prediction
Marin Cilic has struggled on the ATP tour this year, winning only one match out of eight, aside from his title run in Hangzhou. In his victory over Alexandre Muller yesterday, Cilic displayed strong form, winning 78% of his first-serve points, firing 11 aces, and converting 3 of 8 break-point opportunities. He was effective from the baseline and showed a willingness to approach the net to keep points short.
Jiri Lehecka, with a 28-18 match record for the season and a 24-17 record on hardcourts, has been inconsistent, especially indoors where he holds a 6-7 record. He did, however, reach the final in Antwerp recently but arrived in Belgrade after back-to-back first-round exits in Basel and Paris.
The upcoming match between these two powerful players may come down to who takes the offensive, makes early returns, and attacks the net in the quicker indoor conditions. Strong serving will be crucial. Although Lehecka appears favored on paper, Cilic's prowess indoors could lead to an upset.
Pick Lehecka in three sets.