Marin Cilic vs. Kevin Anderson 4/30/21 - ATP Estoril, Portugal Men Singles Picks & Predictions
Last Updated: 04/28/2021 at 11:15 PM ET
In the quarterfinals of the 2021 ATP Estoril Open in Portugal, Marin Cilic is set to play against Kevin Anderson from South Africa.
Marin Cilic has had a huge career on the ATP tour but it is safe to suggest that the Croatian superstar is in the twilight stage of his career. Cilic enters this match having won his previous match in 3 sets. Cilic lost the opening set but he fought back strongly and won the final 2 sets and the match. During the win, Marin Cilic impressed with his serving as he won around 70% of his service points which allowed him to win over 90% of his service games. This is expected to be a bigger challenge for the Croatian superstar as he is playing another hugely accomplished player.
Looking at Kevin Anderson, the South African superstar also had a big win in the previous round where he defeated Roberto Carballés Baena in straight sets. It ended up being a comfortable win for Anderson as he won 91% of his service games, 2 return games, and 1 tiebreaker. Kevin Anderson has struggled in recent months but he has shown some good form at this tournament and he will hope he has the ability to challenge Marin Cilic.
Marin Cilic and Kevin Anderson have played each other 7 times in the past with Marin Cilic winning on 6 occasions while Kevin Anderson has won just once. The most recent match between these two players was in 2017 at the French Open where Marin Cilic won. Kevin Anderson defeated Marin Cilic in 2013 at ATP Rome where the South African superstar won in straight sets.
Taking everything into consideration, I am going to pick Marin Cilic to win this match. Both of these players are past their peak but Cilic seems to be playing better tennis at the moment and has the momentum considering the head-to-head record. I see Marin Cilic winning in 3 sets.
