Marin Cilic vs Brandon Nakashima Miami Prediction 3/21/2026 Today’s Tennis Picks

Marin Cilic faces Brandon Nakashima in the second round of the 2026 Miami Open on Saturday, March 21. Here’s our Marin Cilic vs Brandon Nakashima prediction. This preview will also include a Marin Cilic vs Brandon Nakashima pick.

Marin Cilic vs Brandon Nakashima Preview

Marin Cilic kicked off his Miami Open campaign with a straight-sets win over Alexei Popyrin. In a battle between two big hitters, it was the Croatian who came out on top in two close sets. The match took 20 games to decide. Cilic prevailed 6-4, 6-4 in an hour and 37 minutes, snapping a recent three-match losing streak on hard courts. Cilic improves to 7-6 for the 2026 season.

In the victory, Cilic hit 8 aces and 3 double faults. He landed 55% of first serves in play and won 83% of first serve points (30/36). Cilic won 53% of second serve points (16/30) and saved all six break points he faced in the match. Cilic broke Popyrin’s serve once in each set.

Brandon Nakashima received a BYE in the opening round of the Miami Open courtesy of being a seeded player. Nakashima enters this year’s tournament ranked 30th in the ATP rankings and is the No. 27 seed. Nakashima is playing in his fifth main draw at the Miami Open and produced his best run last year when he reached the last 16 with victories over Carballes Baena and David Goffin.

Nakashima has compiled 10 wins and 6 losses in 2026. He opened the season with a run to the Brisbane final, where he lost to Daniil Medvedev. His second best result was in Acapulco, where he reached the semifinal. Nakashima lost to Alexander Zverev in his most recent tournament at the Indian Wells Masters.

Marin Cilic vs Brandon Nakashima Head-To-Head

Cilic and Nakashima have split their two ATP meetings. Cilic won their first at the 2024 Hangzhou Open in straight sets. Nakashima leveled their series when they played in the first round of Delray this season.

Marin Cilic vs Brandon Nakashima Prediction

I’m backing Cilic in this one. If the two matches between them are anything to go by, then expect this one to be just as tight. Cilic was a serving menace in his opening match, saving all break points he faced. I would expect Nakashima to have a bit of success converting at least one or two chances, because he’s a quality returner. That said, Cilic can clutch it out if he needs to, and as an underdog, he’s worth backing.

Nur Said's Pick: Marin Cilic in three sets