September 2, 2019 - Marin Cilic in action against Rafael Nadal at the 2019 US Open. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/USTA)
Top seed Marin Cilic clashes with Tallon Griekspoor in the quarterfinals of the Tata Maharashtra Open on Thursday.
The 2014 US Open champion received a bye into the round of 16. He got off to a shaky start but what’s important is that the Croatian veteran managed to pick up the win.
The 29-year-old Roberto Carballes Baena faced Cilic in the round of 16 after defeating compatriot Bernabe Zapata Miralles in the first round. Cilic got off to a good start and wrapped up the first set in quick time. However, Carballes Baena managed to bounce back strongly in the second set and take the match to the decisive third set. Cilic used all his experience and bagged the third set without much fuss, much to the relief of his fans. The match ended 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 in favor of Cilic.
The 26-year-old has been impressive in the Maharashtra Open so far. He has not dropped a set as yet and will look to continue the winning run against the veteran, Cilic.
In the round of 32, Griekspoor put on a solid performance to get past 7th seed Jaume Munar in straight sets 6-4, 7-5. The Dutchman went on to face Italy’s Marco Cecchinato in the round of 16. Once again, Griekspoor was on song and he finished the match in straight sets 6-4, 6-4.
Marin Cilic and Tallon Griekspoor have never faced each other as yet. Therefore, the head-to-head scoreline currently stands at 0-0.
Prediction: Marin Cilic to win in straight sets.
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