Cilic makes strong start in quest for 19th ATP title

Marin Cilic made a strong start to his quest to win the Singapore Open and win his 19th title as he eventually tries to join the ATP Tour’s rather exclusive ’20 club.’

The former world No 3 beat Taro Daniel 7-5 6-4 on Wednesday, winning 82 per cent of his first-serve points in an encouraging performance as he attempts to win a ninth indoor Tour title.

Marin's back!

Former Grand Slam Champ @cilic_marin is into the quarter-finals in Singapore.#SingaporeTennisOpen pic.twitter.com/G1DxgvvYO1

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) February 24, 2021

Should Cilic win two more titles, he would join Roger Federer (103), Rafael Nadal (86), Novak Djokovic (82), Andy Murray (46) and Juan Martin del Potro (22) as the only active male players to win at least 20 tour-level titles.

“It is the beginning of the season and my third match of the year, so I am still feeling a little bit rusty,” said Cilic. “Overall, it was a solid match. [It is] something I definitely needed for the start of the tournament.”

The Croatian will face Soonwoo Kwon in the quarter-finals, while Yoshihito Nishioka and Alexander Bublik were among the others to progress.

Sinner falls in Montpellier

Jannik Sinner was a surprise casualty at the Open Sud de France, the world number 34 losing in three sets to Aljaz Bedene in a match that lasted nearly two hours and 40 minutes.

Sixth seed Ugo Humbert battled past Dutch qualifier Tallon Griekspoor in a match with three tie-breaks, while second seed David Goffin went the distance to overcome wildcard Benjamin Bonzi 4-6 6-4 7-5.