Monte-Carlo Masters 2022: Taylor Fritz vs Marin Cilic preview, head-to-head, prediction, odds and pick
Match Details
Fixture: (10) Taylor Fritz vs Marin Cilic
Date: 13 April 2022.
Tournament: Monte-Carlo Masters 2022.
Round: Second round (Round of 32).
Venue: Monte-Carlo, Monaco.
Category: ATP Masters 1000.
Surface: Clay.
Match timing: Approx.12.30 pm local time, 6.30 am EST, 10.30 am GMT, 4 pm IST
Prize money: €5,802,475.
Live telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | UK - Amazon Prime Video | India - Voot.
Taylor Fritz vs Marin Cilic preview
10th seed Taylor Fritz will face 2014 US Open champion Marin Cilic on Wednesday, with a place in the fourth round of the Monte-Carlo Masters up for grabs.
The American has had a few memorable months on the ATP tour. Having finished as the runner-up in St. Petersburg last year, the 24-year-old has taken his game a higher level this season. Fritz snapped Rafael Nadal's 20-match winning streak to lift the biggest trophy of his career at the Indian Wells Masters last month.
However, he is yet to hit his stride on clay this season. The World No. 13's first tournament on clay ended in a quarter-final loss to Cristian Garin in Houston.
Netflix-worthy scenario avoided 😨
@Taylor_Fritz97 digs DEEP to overcome world No.430 Lucas Catarina 6-7(6) 7-6(5) 6-4 in his Monte-Carlo opener!
#RolexMCMasters https://t.co/LyVZk7gbqq
On Tuesday, the American was given a stern test by World No. 430 Lucas Catarina in the first round of the Monte-Carlo Masters. The 10th seed clawed his way back from a set down to secure a 6-7(6), 7-6(5), 6-4 win after two hours and 40 minutes.
World No. 22 Cilic, meanwhile, had a fabulous end to the 2021 season. Following his runner-up finish in Moscow, he went on to clinch the title in St. Petersburg. The 33-year-old Croat also guided his nation to the Davis Cup Finals.
Cilic carried that momentum into the new season, reaching the semifinals in his first couple of events at Adelaide. After a run to the fourth round of the Australian Open and the quarterfinals in Doha, Cilic struggled in his next three tournaments, managing just one win.
A return to clay helped him get back to his rhythm as he pummeled Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-2, 6-2 to start his Monte-Carlo Masters campaign on Monday.
Chilly Cilic 🌙
@cilic_marin wraps up play on Court Rainier III with a 6-2 6-2 win over Tsonga - who was making his last #RolexMCMasters appearance https://t.co/gP6diADAh5
Taylor Fritz vs Marin Cilic head-to-head
Fritz and Cilic are tied at 1-1 in the head-to-head. Fritz won their first meeting 4-6, 7-5, 6-4 at the 2017 Indian Wells Masters. The Croat exacted revenge four years later in the St. Petersburg final with a 7-6(3), 4-6, 6-4 win.
Taylor Fritz vs Marin Cilic odds
(All odds sourced from Betmgm.com)
Taylor Fritz vs Marin Cilic prediction
Although Taylor Fritz is the higher-ranked player in this clash and has had a better season, his performance on Tuesday didn't inspire much confidence. Fritz is still trying to make the transition from hardcourt to clay and so far, it's been a struggle for the American.
This was laid bare by the 430th-ranked Lucas Catarina, who nearly sent the 10th seed packing. Fritz's precision on serve was missing as he conceded as many as six breaks. It was his booming forehand that ultimately inspired his comeback.
Fritz needs to go back to the drawing board and find solutions to his problems before taking on Cilic. The Croat will come into this match with more energy, having gotten a day of rest between his two rounds.
Cilic played brilliant first-strike tennis against Tsonga in the first round, winning 86% of first-serve points and painting the lines with his forehand. If he can keep up his level and serve well against Fritz, he stands a chance of toppling the American.
Prediction: Marin Cilic to win in three sets.
Also Check Out :-Monte Carlo Masters 2022 Schedule