Hangzhou Open 2024 Final: Marin Cilic vs Zhang Zhizhen preview, head-to-head, prediction, odds and pick
Match Details
Fixture: (WC) Marin Cilic vs Zhang Zhizhen
Date: Tuesday, September 24, 2024
Match Timing: 7:30 pm local time. 7:30 am ET, 5:00 pm IST
Tournament: Hangzhou Open 2024
Round: Final
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
Marin Cilic vs Zhang Zhizhen preview
Marin Cilic will face sixth seed Zhang Zhizhen in the final of the Hangzhou Open on September 24 at 7:30 pm local time. A victory for Cilic would mark his 21st career singles title, while Zhang, seeking his first-ever title, will be aiming to upset the experienced Croat.
Cilic started the Hangzhou Open with a 5-7, 6-3, 6-0 win over Zachary Svajda (5-7, 6-3, 6-0) before registering a comprehensive 6-4, 6-1 victory over eighth seed Yoshihito Nishioka to book his place in the quarterfinals, where he edged out Japan's Yasutaka Uchiyama 6-2, 6-7(4), 7-6(5) to set up a semifinal clash with fourth seed Brandon Nakashima. There, Cilic took the lead by taking the opening set 6-4 before edging out the American 6-4, 7-6(6) to reach his first singles final since the 2022 Tel Aviv Open.
Zhang Zhizhen, on the other hand, did not have the easiest of starts at the Hangzhou Open, as he had to fend off a tough challenge from Kazakh qualifier Daniel Yevseyev to triumph 6-2, 1-6, 6-4. The 27-year-old then faced Mattia Bellucci and thrashed him 6-3, 6-0 to book his place in the quarterfinals. There, he faced Roberto Carballes Baena and registered a second successive straight-set win (6-3, 6-3) to set up a semifinal clash with compatriot Bu Yunchaokete. Zhang won the first set in a tiebreak to take the lead before taking the second set to register a 7-6(3), 6-4 win and reach his maiden ATP singles final.
Marin CIlic vs Zhang Zhizhen head-to-head
The two haven't faced each other on the ATP Tour so far, so their head-to-head is currently tied at 0-0.
Marin Cilic vs Zhang Zhizhen odds
All odds are sourced from BETMGM.
Marin CIlic vs Zhang Zhizhen prediction
Zhang's ranking, recent form, and more frequent appearances on tour so far this season give him an edge entering the final, but Cilic has had an impressive run so far and will be in good spirits. The Croat's vast experience should also not be discounted.
Cilic has had impressive numbers on his first serve so far at the Hangzhou Open, winning 144 out of 168 points (85.7%) while serving 56 aces from four matches. He has also produced 135 winners compared to 113 unforced errors. The Croat will look to play aggressively from the baseline and dominate from the start. His backhand will come in very handy, as will his experience of handling tough situations in big matches.
Zhang Zhizhen also has an effective serve that has fetched him 30 aces so far in Hangzhou. The Chinese, however, hasn't had as good first-serve numbers as Cilic, having won just 70.3% of points (130 out of 185). One concerning thing for Zhang is that he has more winners than unforced errors. As such, he will have to make sure not to produce too many of the latter in the final. The Chinese never shies away from his shots and is a powerful hitter of a tennis ball. That said, he may have to keep himself in check, as too many mistakes could prove costly.
Zhang Zhizhen, the rising Chinese star, may be favored by many to win the match. However, if Marin Cilic can continue his strong performance, there's a real possibility of him clinching his first title since October 2021.
Pick: Marin Cilic to win in three sets.