TennisSection previews the 2021 Estoril Open as Marin Cilic (6) meets Kevin Anderson in the Quarter-finals on Friday, April 30th, 2021.
Will Kevin Anderson continue to improve his game as he looks to get himself back to his best after struggling with injuries for the last 2 years? Will Marin Cilic be able to finally get an easy match under his belt after two tough matches here at the 2021 Estoril Open. Both players enter this match with confidence and the knowledge they can win it, but only one will make it to the Semi-finals. Who will it be?
Kevin Anderson has been able to come through some very tight matches here at the 2021 Estoril Open, beating Frances Tiafoe in the First Round, and beating Roberto Carballes Baena in the Second Round in straight sets 6-3/7-6(4). Kevin Anderson is looking continuously better with his movement around the court, and this is great to see due to his knees having hurt him constantly throughout the last couple of years. Now, Kevin Anderson will want to ensure that his serve is firing and that when the ball does get returned, he is able to get to the ball fast enough to unleash his superb forehand. Kevin Anderson will know that if he does not come out at his best, he will suffer against an opponent like Marin Cilic.
Marin Cilic has had to fight in both of his matches here at the 2021 Estoril Open, winning both of them in 3 sets. In the Second Round, Marin Cilic had to come back from a set down against Nuno Borges (5)6-7/6-4/6-4. Marin Cilic, similarily to Kevin Anderson, is improving match after match as he has not been in best form in recent years due to injury and lack of confidence, but it is great to see him playing at a high level once again. Marin Cilic, must we not forget, is a Grand Slam champion, and has one of the best serves and forehands in the game. Now that he is getting back to a high level, how will he fare against a similar opponent in Kevin Anderson?
Marin Cilic and Kevin Anderson have met 7 times before, with Marin Cilic leading the head to head 6-1. They have always played tight matches, and I am sure this match is not going to be any different. Both players have massive serves and forehands, which they aim to use to dictate the match. This results in long sets being played, most of the times with tiebreaks at the end. Going off of recent performances and form, I have to give the edge to Marin Cilic in this match. Although both players are aiming to get back to their best, we have seen more consistency from Cilic in 2021. I expect Marin Cilic to win and make his way to the Semi-finals of the 2021 Estoril Open.
Free Tennis Pick and Prediction: Marin Cilic to Win.
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