Analysis for Ljubicic-Cilic (ATP Indian Wells)

Head-to-head record 0:0

Ivan Ljubicic will play Marin Cilic in all-Croatien second round match-up at 2008 Indian Wells. Ljubicic is much more experienced player but wasn’t impressive this year. He is tall and powerfully built and noted for his strong serve. He has achieved his best results in indoor tournaments played on carpet or hardcourt. He often uses a one-handed backhand and often plays from the baseline. He may find the conditions here a bit slower than he needs. His first tournament of 2008 was in Doha, where he reached the semifinals, losing to Wawrinka. However, Ivan suffered a shocking first round defeat at the Oz Open losing to Dutchman Haase in the first round. He then won a challenger in South Africa and entered the draw in Zagreb, where, as the home crowd favorite, suffered a shocking upset by Ukrainian lucky loser Stakhovsky. Cilic has the similar style of play and also prefers a bit faster conditions but he played well against Nishikori in the first round and it seems he is well prepared for the tournament and the surface suits to him. He has defeated several solid players this year including Gonzalez, Mahut, Almagro or Haase and we think he should be competitive tonight. Odds above 1.8 could be taken here.