Arthur Rinderknech vs. Marin Cilic Predictions: Cilic Faces a Tricky Opener

On Monday, October 24, fourth seed Marin Cilic will face qualifier Arthur Rinderknech in the first round of the 2022 Vienna Open.

After defeating Jason Kubler in a three-set first qualifying round on Saturday, Arthur Rinderknech advanced to the main draw with a comeback win over fellow French player Constant Lestienne.

The world no. 51 dropped the first set, bounced back with a solitary break in the second, and then broke Lestienne twice in the third set while being broken only once to win 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 and advance to the main tournament in Basel.

Rnderknech, a good hard court player, has been in excellent form recently. He is 9-3 on indoor courts at all levels, and he has reached the quarterfinals in Metz and Tel Aviv, as well as the semifinals in Gijon, in his previous three events.

Rinderknech, who reached the semifinals in Doha earlier this year, had his finest performance at the Adelaide International, when he reached his first ATP final but lost to Thanasi Kokkinakis.

Marin Cilic has steadily risen in the rankings this season, reaching the season's top position of no. 13 thanks to a solid run.

This year, the 34-year-old Croatian is 31-18, including his first-ever semifinal appearance at the French Open. The 2014 US Open winner and two-time major finalist had never advanced past the last eight at Roland Garros, but he accomplished it this year, falling to tournament runner-up Casper Ruud.

Cilic has been eliminated in the semi-finals four times this year. He did, however, go to the last four in Tel Aviv earlier this month, but was unable to earn his 21st championship after losing in straight sets to Novak Djokovic. It was the former world number three's 36th appearance in a tour-level final.

Cilic is 19-12 this year on hard courts and 3-2 on indoor surfaces. In his previous event, he lost in the Round of 16 in Astana, but he will be looking for a deep run in Basel, where he has a 1406 record and was a champion in 2016.

Both are in terrific shape and have risen significantly in the rankings as a result of their consistency. Expect a close match, with the more experienced Cilic advancing to the second round.

• Total Over 22.5 for 1.82
• Handiсap Arthur Rinderknech (+3.5) for 1.838
• Individual Total 2 Over 13 for 1.82