BAGHDATIS TO TAKE ON CILIC IN THE MIAMI MASTERS R32

Miami, Florida – Marcos Baghdatis begins his bid for a spot in the Miami Masters fourth round today when he takes on Marin Cilic, a fast-rising Croatian star in the ATP Tour and for many, then next big thing in tennis. He will have his work cut out for him, indeed.
Illusions of Del Poop-like grandeur preceded him, Cilic that is, into the 2010 season and when he made it into the Aussie Open semis, beating Del Potro no less in the quarters, he seemed on pace with those notions. The hiccup at the Indian Wells a fortnight ago, crashing to Guillermo Garcia-Lopez in the second round (his opening round match because of a bye), has barely tapered down the excitement and anticipation surrounding Marin. Everyone is allowed an off day I suppose.
As tough as Cilic will be for Baghdatis to overcome, the same could be said the other way around. Baghdatis will be no cakewalk surely. He beat Federer last week in Indian Wells. Granted he fell to Robredo in the following round but Baghdatis has been one of the most improved players this season overall. He already has a title on the term in Sydney and he is an impressive 18-6 to date.
Cilic reads on paper thus: two titles on the season in Chennai and Zagreb (250-point ATP Level events) and most notable result an Aussie Open semi appearance – his first-ever final-four appearance at a Grand Slam. His tally is 19-3 ahead of his third round clash against Baghdatis.
It will be the first career meeting between the pair. There is a lot to recommend each player in the market but the bookies are rather clear which way they are leaning.
William Hill has rolled out some eye-catching odds on their upcoming clash with Cilic the marginal favourite at 8/13 and Baggy a mere 6/5 underdog.
Tennis Betting Verdict: The bookies favour Cilic to win outright, offering him at reasonable 8/13 odds to win outright. Tennis punters should like this price very much.
The favouritism should come as no surprise because Cilic is after all a newly minted No. 9 in the world – a career high for the 21-year-old – and there is also the fact that he had one of the best start on the season of everyone – racing to 2 titles and a solid 19-3 mark. Truth be told, his form has dipped ever so slightly recently and that is some cause for concern. I speak of his quarterfinal exit in Dubai and second round exit in Indian Wells.
Baghdatis enters this match as the mere 6/5 puppy. A delicate puppy price well within the market for the upset.
Baghdatis started the season strong with a title in Sydney. He followed up with a third round appearance at the Aussie Open (retired against Hewitt) and second round appearance at back-to-back events – Rotterdam and Marseille. In Dubai, Baghdatis pushed to the semis where he took the defending champion Djokovic to three sets 7-6(2), 3-6, 4-6. A fortnight ago, he beat Federer at Indian Wells 5-7, 7-5, 7-6(4), which has to be the match win of his career.
Tennis Free Picks: I understand Cilic is the smart play to win outright but I have to admit that I like Baghdatis in this match at 6/5 to win outright. My humble opinion notwithstanding, there is value to be had whichever way you slice the match so go with your instincts. For me, it is obviously going with Baggy (I mean how can you not love that smile). Overall, this should be an interesting contest, decided by a few points. I fancy the Overs in the totals betting as well as the three sets in the set betting market. Check out all the action William Hill has to offer on this eye-catching match.