Marin Cilic vs Zhizhen Zhang Prediction & Picks - ATP Hangzhou Open

Prediction published on 9/23/24, 9:47 PM  by Lou Aguila | Modified on 9/23/24 at 9:51 PM in Tennis Picks

Zhang Zhizhen of China has waited the longest time for an opportunity to lift an ATP tournament title over his head. On Tuesday, the Chinese fondly known as “Triple Z” will shoot for his first ATP title against former US Open winner Marin Cilic in the final of the Hangzhou Open. Zhizhen continued to thrive under favorable playing conditions, beating compatriot Bu Yunchaokete 7-6(3) 6-4 in front of thousands of Chinse fans who flocked to the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Expo Center to witness the All-Chinese semifinal showdown. The veteran Zhizhen leaned on his experience to edge his younger foe in the first-set tiebreaker before putting together a terrific closeout run in the second set. Meanwhile, Cilic fended off Father Time to beat Brandon Nakashima 6-4 7-6(6) in the other semifinal match. The 35-year-old Cilic dominated the service battles, winning 83 percent of his first serves while firing 8 aces to upset the young American.