Hangzhou Open 2024: Marin Cilic vs Yoshihito Nishioka preview, head-to-head, prediction and pick
Match Details
Fixture: Marin Cilic vs (8) Yoshihito Nishioka
Date: September 21, 2024
Tournament: Hangzhou Open 2024
Round: Second Round (Round of 16)
Venue: Hangzhou Olympics Sports Expo Center
Category: ATP 250
Surface: Hard
Prize money: $1,081,395
Live telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | UK - Sky UK
Marin Cilic vs Yoshihito Nishioka preview
Former World No. 3 Marin Cilic will take on Yoshihito Nishioka in the second round of the Hangzhao Open.
Cilic had been sidlined from the men's Tour for six months due to a knee injury. He chalked up early exits in the Hong Kong Open, Argentina Open and the Australian Open, where he lost to Fabian Marozsan in the first round.
The Croat entered Hangzhou on the back of a healthy quarterfinal finish in the Cassis Challenger. He started his campaign with a convincing win against Zachary Svajda in the first round. Cilic outlasted the American 5-7, 6-3, 6-0.
Meanwhile, Nishioka has had a modest year so far. After a slow start to the season, he reached the quarterfinals of the Eastbourne International and clinched his maiden title in the Atlanta Open. He outfoxed Jordan Thompson 4-6, 7-6(2), 6-2 in the final.
The Japanese entered Hangzhou on the back of a first round exit in the US Open. He steadied the ship with a dominating 6-4, 6-2 win against Maximilian Marterer in the first round. The 28-year-old will be eager to present a stern challenge to Cilic next.
Marin Cilic vs Yoshihito Nishioka head-to-head
Cilic has a 1-0 head-to-head advantage against Nishioka. He defeated the Japanese pro in the first round of the 2018 Wimbledon Championships in straight sets.
Marin Cilic vs Yoshihito Nishioka odds
Odds will be updated when available.
Marin Cilic vs Yoshihito Nishioka prediction
Former Grand Slam champion Marin Cilic has had a frustrating season this year. He registered his first win in the Hangzhou Open and will be hoping to kick-start his season from here on. The Croat rocketed 14 aces in the previous round and won 88% of his first serve points.
Nishioka, on the contrary, saved his ordinary season with a brilliant title-triumph in Atlanta. He won 76% of his first serve points and held his serve at all times against Marterer. The Japanese will be looking to do the same against Cilic and continue his run in Hangzhou.
An intriguing battle will be on the cards in the second round. While Cilic is yet to find his peak fitness on Tour, Nishioka has shown signs of inconsistency this year. Considering their skill sets and experience on hardcourts, Cilic should be able to sneak through to the next round.
Pick: Cilic to win in three-sets.