ATP Estoril Open 2021: Marin Cilic vs Kevin Anderson – Preview, Head to Head and Prediction


ATP Estoril Open 2021: Marin Cilic vs Kevin Anderson – Preview, Head to Head and Prediction

World No.42, Marin Cilic will take on World No.105, Kevin Anderson in the quarterfinals of the 2021 Estoril Open on April 30.

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Match Details

  • Tournament: Millennium Estoril Open 2021
  • Match: Marin Cilic vs Kevin Anderson
  • Round: Quarter-Final
  • Date: 30th April, 2021
  • Prize Money: €8,200
  • Venue: Estoril, Portugal
  • Surface: Clay Court

Marin Cilic vs Kevin Anderson: Preview

Marin Cilic
Marin Cilic

The 32-year-old comes into this match after two tricky three-setters against Carlos Alcaraz and Nuno Borges. After exiting Monaco in the first round, Cilic has found his footing on the clay in Estoril. The sixth seed weathered two rain delays and some gritty play by the Portuguese Wild Card, Borges to come out trumps. Cilic served well through the second set, owing to which he didn’t even face a single break point. As compared to his opponent, he has got more matches under his belt for the year (7-6).

On the other hand, the 34-year-old only started his clay season a few days ago in Estoril. In the first round itself, the South African had to dig deep to come back from match points down to beat Amercian, Frances Tiafoe. Thereafter, in the second round, Anderson served 12 aces to beat lucky loser Roberto Carballes Baena in two sets.

Marin Cilic vs Kevin Anderson: Head to Head

Kevin Anderson
Kevin Anderson

These two have met each other on seven occasions on the tour, with Cilic leading comfortably by 6-1. Also, they have met on the clay three times. On this surface too, Cilic leads 2-1. Their first meeting dates back to 2009 in Australia, while the previous one came in Roland Garros in 2017. Interestingly, they have never played a five set match and have five tie-break sets between them.

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Marin Cilic vs Kevin Anderson: Prediction

Marin Cilic

This match-up between the two big servers will make for an interesting viewing. Moreover, both players have got some hard-fought, crucial wins under their belt ahead of this match. The Croat has a big overall advantage over the South Africa given their head-to-head reading. However, one can expect Anderson to put up a better show tomorrow. The one who holds their serve consistently will end up winning. Cilic might expose the movement of his opponent on the dirt. Expect a three-set match here.

Match Prediction: Marin Cilic should win in three sets.

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