The experienced Marin Cilic locks horns with an impressive Constant Lestienne in the semi-finals of the Tel Aviv Open on Saturday.
Marin Cilic
The former US Open champion has managed to reach his fifth semi-final this season. He has lost his four previous semifinal matches and would hope to finally put the jinx to rest.
The 34-year-old began his campaign at the Tel Aviv Open against 2020 US Open champion Dominic Thiem. The Austrian tennis pro bagged the first set but Cilic ruled the roost from thereafter. The Croatian veteran eventually won the match 6-7 (6-8), 6-2, 6-4. In the quarter-finals, Cilic was scheduled to take on Liam Broady. However, the British No. 5 pulled out prior to the match as Cilic progressed to the semi-finals.
Constant Lestienne
The 30-year-old has been in a rollicking form in the tournament so far. He came into the tournament on the back of a decent performance at the San Diego Open and has continued on his merry way at the Tel Aviv Open.
Lestienne defeated compatriot Adrian Mannarino in straight sets in the round of 32. The Frenchman pulled off another comprehensive win against Emil Ruusuvuori in the round of 16. Lestienne won the match 6-4, 6-2. Maxime Cressy failed to close out the quarter-final tie against Lestienne after winning the first set. The world No. 68 pulled off an upset victory in three sets – 6-7 (4-7), 6-3, 7-6 (7-3).
Head-to-Head and Prediction
The head-to-head scoreline stands at 0-0 as Marin Cilic and Constant Lestienne are yet to face each other.
Prediction: Marin Cilic to win in straight sets.
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