Marin Cilic vs Brandon Nakashima - Hangzhou Open Tennis Prediction and Pick 9/23/24

Marin Cilic improved his win-loss record since his return from injury to 7-6 after beating Japanese qualifier Yasutaka Uchiyama in a dramatic quarterfinal match on Sunday. The experienced Croatian saved multiple match points deep in the third set before prevailing 6-2, 6-7, 7-6 in two hours and 47 minutes.

It was the second time this week that Cilic was pushed to a third set, but he came out on top to record his best result of his comeback. It's been almost two years since he made his last ATP final, and he will be a slight underdog in his match against Brandon Nakashima.

Brandon Nakashima, meanwhile, saw off Australia's Rinky Hijikata 7-5, 6-3 in an hour and 30 minutes. The sixth-seeded American tallied eight aces and two double faults in the victory.

Nakashima landed 56% of first serves and won 81% of first-serve points (26/32) and 68% of second-serve points (17/25). He converted all three break points he fashioned in the match. It is the second time this season that he's made an ATP semifinal (he lost in Stuttgart to Draper).

Marin Cilic vs Brandon Nakashima Head-To-Head

• Cilic and Nakashima have never met at any ATP match before this and will, therefore, clash for the first time on the ATP Tour.

Marin Cilic vs Brandon Nakashima Prediction

Cilic is a 20-time champion on the ATP Tour and possesses a wealth of experience. He is the most decorated player in the field this week, and he's having a great tournament, considering the circumstances. This in itself is a great achievement on his comeback from knee injury. But Nakashima will put his movement up to the test in a manner that none of his previous three opponents did. The American is a solid, well-rounded competitor who will take Cilic out of his comfort zone.