Tennis
2018-04-20 - Kei Nishikori vs Marin Cilic
A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown
Tennis: Monte Carlo Masters Quarter Final
Friday 20th April 2018 - Scheduled 1pm
British Time: 12pm
Preview
This is a classic match up of the big server and big hitting Marin Cilic taking on the faster, better mover around the court in Kei Nishikori and the winner is going to be the one who can impose his game on the other more often than not. It is no surprise to me that the head to head is as close as it is between Nishikori and Cilic and the layers are expecting another close match on Friday.
Where Kei Nishikori has needed to win three matches to get through to the Quarter Final, Cilic has needed to win just one having received a bye in the First Round and then seeing Milos Raonic withdraw from the Third Round match before they had taken to the court.
That could mean Cilic is a little undercooked on this surface which would be a concern as the feeling is that Nishikori is perhaps the superior player on the clay courts. However Cilic has produced some eye-catching numbers on the clay courts over the last couple of seasons thanks to a very strong return game and that could be a key to this match too.
We know Cilic is going to produce some big serves which can give him a chance to get on the front foot immediately, but he will also challenge the Nishikori second serve as he bids to move into the Semi Final. This is also a difficult time for Nishikori who is only recently back from an injury which means he is not going to be used to playing as much tennis as he has so far this week.
There were a few signs of tiredness from Nishikori in his tough win over Andreas Seppi in the Third Round and I think Cilic is going to exert some mental pressure with a strong return throughout this match. It won't be all Cilic's way with the Nishikori performances so far this week, but I am looking for the Croatian to battle through for the win and secure his final four spot.
Prediction
You have to think Marin Cilic can just get the better of Kei Nishikori in another close Quarter Final at the Monte Carlo Masters.