Arthur Fery Faces Marin Cilic in Shanghai After Tokyo Setback
Will face Marin Cilic in Shanghai after a disappointing run in Tokyo, according to Britwatch Sports. The matchup pits Fery’s return game and use of the slice…
Arthur Fery heads to Shanghai looking to respond to a disappointing Tokyo campaign. He will face Marin Cilic in the ATP Shanghai tournament, where the British player’s return game will be tested by Cilic’s efficient serving, according to Britwatch Sports.
The match offers Fery a chance to target a second Masters 1000 win, while Cilic will try to use his serve and backhand to control rallies. Britwatch Sports described the contest as a tough test for Fery.
Fery’s route to opportunities is expected to run through the return. The preview says he can use his slice to create angles and look to attack Cilic’s second serve. Cilic, meanwhile, is expected to press behind his first serve and use his backhand to dictate play.
That contrast puts particular weight on the opening exchanges of rallies. If Fery can make Cilic play after the serve, he may have chances to shape points with the slice; if Cilic establishes control with his first delivery, the Briton could face a more difficult afternoon. Those are the matchup factors identified in the Britwatch Sports preview, rather than a guarantee of how the match will unfold.
Cilic’s recent form is another part of the story. Britwatch Sports said he had produced good results at the start of the season but had since been in poor form, including a grass-court season that did not go well. The outlet also noted that conditions in China are suitable and favourable for him.
The Shanghai setting carries a past connection for Cilic: he reached the tournament’s semi-finals nine years ago. Now 38, he will seek to reproduce some of that level, while Fery tries to turn a frustrating Tokyo result into a stronger showing in China.
Fery’s task, the preview says, is to maintain a high standard of play and be proactive when returning second serves. That approach could help him create openings against a player whose first serve is expected to be a central weapon.
The match also draws attention to the different ways the two players are expected to build points. Fery’s slice can carve out angles, while Cilic’s backhand is intended to dictate play. The contest may therefore hinge on whether Fery can disrupt Cilic’s preferred patterns before the Croatian takes control of rallies.
Britwatch Sports listed Sky/Now TV and TennisTV as viewing options, both requiring a subscription. The preview did not provide a match time.
Cilic’s previous Shanghai semi-final came nine years ago.
Source: britwatchsports.com
