Hangzhou Open 2024: Brandon Nakashima vs Marin Cilic preview, head-to-head, prediction, odds and pick
Match Details
Fixture: (4) Brandon Nakashima vs (WC) Marin Cilic
Date: Monday, September 23, 2024
Tournament: Hangzhou Open 2024
Round: Semifinal
Venue: Hangzhou Olympic Sports Expo Center in Hangzhou, China
Category: ATP 250
Surface: Hard
Prize Money: $1,000,630
Live Telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | UK - Sky Sports | Canada - DAZN
Brandon Nakashima vs Marin Cilic preview
Fourth seed Brandon Nakashima will lock horns with former World No. 3 Marin Cilic in a tantalizing semifinal clash at the 2024 Hangzhou Open on Monday, September 23.
Nakashima entered the Hangzhou Open with a 23-16 match record for the year, with a run to the semifinals in Stuttgart his best result so far. He was on song during the North American hardcourt swing, compiling an 8-4 record along with a fourth-round run at the US Open, where he lost to Alexander Zverev.
Nakashima began his Hangzhou Open campaign with a 6-7 (9), 7-6 (4), 6-1 comeback victory over Coleman Wong in the second round after receiving a first-round bye. He faced Rinky Hijikata next, overcoming a tough first set to eventually dominate in the second to seal a 7-5, 6-3.
Cilic, meanwhile, has compiled a paltry 0-4 match record this season, which has been marred by knee surgery. Three of those losses came on the ATP tour in Hong Kong, Melbourne, and Buenos Aires. He is currently ranked No. 777 in the men’s rankings.
The Croat began his campaign in Hangzhou with an emphatic comeback victory against American youngster Zachary Svajda in the first round, winning 5-7, 6-3, 6-0. He then breezed through his second-round encounter, defeating eighth seed Yoshihito Nishioka in straight sets, 6-4, 6-1.
In the quarterfinals, Cilic faced Yasutaka Uchiyama and was taken to the distance for the second time in the week. In a tightly contested match that saw two tiebreaks, Cilic secured a 6-2, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (5) win.
Brandon Nakashima vs Marin Cilic head-to-head
Brandon Nakashima and Marin Cilic have not yet faced off on the ATP tour so their head-to-head currently stands at 0-0.
Brandon Nakashima vs Marin Cilic odds
(Odds sourced from BetMGM)
Brandon Nakashima vs Marin Cilic prediction
Brandon Nakashima might have been tested in his Hangzhou opener, but he returned to his dominant best in his second match. He excelled on serve, winning 81% of points on his first serve and hitting 8 aces. He was equally impressive on the return, achieving a solid 100% break point conversion rate and winning 24 receiving points out of a total of 67. His net play has also proven effective whenever he has come forward.
Cilic, meanwhile, only picked up his first win of the season in Hangzhou this week but has been in great form so far. Despite being tested in two matches already, he displayed incredible mental fortitude to secure the win thanks to superior play in the decisive moments. He has been dominant on serve, as usual, collecting a total of 48 aces so far. He has controlled the proceedings from the back of the court and has scarcely given away free points to his opponents.
Both players head into this encounter with great momentum. While Nakashima has had a much better year so far, Cilic is currently riding a wave of good form, and his experience carries significant weight.
Nakashima is favored to win in straight sets, but the match could go the distance if the Croat takes the initiative early in the first couple of sets. This would be a significant step for the American, who hasn't reached a final yet this year, but his more consistent performance this year should see him ultimately prevail.
Pick: Nakashima in straight sets.