ATP 250 Hangzhou final
Cilic – Zhang: 24.09.2024 Time TBA
H2H: first meeting
Marin Cilic has won four of his last five matches. He is still coming back from an injury, so he still needs some time to find his best level of tennis. Two weeks ago, Marin played a challenger tournament in Cassis where he reached the quarterfinals. Here in Hangzhou, Marin defeated Svajda in the opening round in straight sets as we predicted. After he lost the first set 5-7, Marin got angry, and stepped up his level. He lost only three games in the second and deciding set altogether. After that, Marin defeated Nishioka in straight sets as we predicted. Marin was all over the court, and looked comfortable with his ground strokes. Marin lost his serve in the first set, but immediately broke back, and won the first set 6-4. The second set was one-sided in Marin’s favor. In the quarterfinals, Cilic defeated Uchiyama in three tight sets as we predicted. Marin was 3-5 down in the deciding set, but stayed calm and turned the match around. He even saved two consecutive match points at 5-6. Today in the semifinals, Marin defeated Nakashima in straight sets as we predicted and reached his first ATP final since 2022. The former US Open champion showed glimpses of his best form. However, he barely played in 2023, so he still needs time to get back to the best level of competitive tennis.
Zhizhen Zhang has won four of his last five matches. Here in Hangzhou, Zhang had it hard against Yevseyev in the opening round. It was a roller-coaster match. Both players were inconsistent throughout the whole match. In the second round, Zhang absolutely dominated against Bellucci, winning in easy straight sets. Zhang won that match 6-3 6-0, without any bigger problems. He served well, not offering any breakpoints. After that, in the quarterfinals, Zhang won against Carballes Baena in straight sets as we predicted. Once again, the Chinese served well, not offering any breakpoints. Today in the semifinals, Zhang defeated Bu in straight sets as we predicted. Both players served well in the first set, but Zhizhen won the most important points, and won the first set through the tiebreak. The second set was also tight. Zhizhen broke Bu’s serve once, which was enough for him to get a comfortable win. With this result, Zhang cemented his top 50 status. Last year around this time, Zhang played in Shanghai, where he reached the 1/8-Finals, losing against Hurkacz in three tight sets.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Zhang is the slight favorite in this matchup. This will be the first head-to-head meeting between them. Cilic showed better tennis and faced better players than Zhang this week. We believe that his experience will prevail in this match, and that he will win his first ATP title since 2021.
That being said, Cilic winning is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Marin Cilic winning @2.20 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
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