The return of the great Marin?

Nice performance from the Croat yesterday, now he just has to confirm it.

Very good match from Marin Čilić to dismiss a Mannarino far from his best level. The Croatian was moving well, very clean on the forehand side and particularly effective behind his first serve, despite a percentage slightly below his usual standards. I had already found him interesting at the end of last season, and this first round seems to confirm that trend.

On Nuno Borges’ side, the first round was solid without being impressive. Strong overall, he served well in the key moments and above all benefited from a Dzumhur who was far below his level in this match. His game is nevertheless already well in place.

In the head-to-head, the advantage seems to me to lean towards Čilić. Borges is generally more comfortable against grinder-type players, who give him time to set up his flat game and gradually take control of the rallies. The Croatian should precisely deny him that, and if he manages to reproduce the intensity and level of aggression he showed against the Frenchman, I see him going in with a slight favorite status. The physical factor will, however, be important: the longer the match drags on, the more the advantage could swing in favor of the Portuguese.