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Match details
Fixture: Marin Cilic vs Ugo Humbert
Date: 5 November
Tournament: Rolex Paris Masters 2020
Round: Third round (Round of 16)
Venue: Paris, France
Category: ATP Masters 1000
Surface: Indoor hardcourt
Prize money: €3,901,015
Match timing: Approx. 3 pm local time, 7.30 pm IST
Live telecast: USA - ESPN / Tennis Channel | India - Sony Six / Sony Liv
Marin Cilic vs Ugo Humbert preview
Former semifinalist Marin Cilic has had a reversal of fortunes at this week's Paris Masters. Entering the tournament with a 13-10 win-loss record for the season, the Croat has scored a couple of solid wins to make it to the last 16.
He now faces another tough test in the form of local favorite Ugo Humbert - who is on a seven-match winning streak dating back to the third week of October.
The Frenchman raced to the title in Antwerp, beating the likes of Alex de Minaur and Pablo Carreno Busta en route. The win saw him rise to a career-high ranking of No. 32, which would have come as a real boost ahead of the season's last big event.
The 22-year-old has managed to eke out two very difficult wins in Paris so far, against quality opponents in Casper Ruud and Stefanos Tsitsipas. Humbert has relied heavily on his indomitable serve throughout the week, which has helped him dig his way out of several tough situations.
Marin Cilic vs Ugo Humbert head-to-head
This will be the first meeting between Marin Cilic and Ugo Humbert, so their head-to-head currently stands at a 0-0 deadlock.
Marin Cilic vs Ugo Humbert prediction
Marin Cilic is by far the more experienced of the two players, and has had considerable amount of success at the Masters 1000 level. That said, he hasn't had too many match wins to show for this season.
The 32-year-old has done exceptionally well here to turn around his form, showcasing his vintage all-court skills. He has been particularly impressive off the forehand side, which has won him quick points in both his matches here.
Cilic will definitely have a tough task against Humbert, who plays a very similar brand of tennis. If anything, the latter has proven he possesses a more reliable backhand - something that could come in handy during the longer rallies.
Both men will look to take control of the match early, and we shouldn't expect too many long exchanges. The result could come down to that extra bit of self-belief during the big points, and given how well Humbert has done to back himself in the last two weeks or so, he might just be able to edge out his opponent in this one.
Prediction: Ugo Humbert to win in three sets.
