Stockholm R2 Match Previews and Predictions: Ruud Faces Cilic, Shapovalov Takes on Borg

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Stockholm R2 Match Previews and Predictions: Ruud Faces Cilic, Shapovalov Takes on Borg

Quarterfinal spots in the Stockholm Open will be decided on Wednesday. Key matches feature Casper Ruud against Marin Cilic, and Denis Shapovalov facing Leo Borg.

Ruud Faces Cilic: A Gripping Encounter

Casper Ruud, the No. 2 seed, is set to clash with Marin Cilic in the second round of the Nordic Open. This match marks the fourth meeting between the two players. Ruud holds a 3-0 record against Cilic, with two victories on clay and one on hard courts.

The 37-year-old Cilic has been formidable on indoor surfaces and will aim to leverage his experience. He secured a win against Nicolai Budkov Kjaer, 7-5, 6-3, in his opening match in Stockholm. This sets the stage for a potentially close contest. Although Ruud has experienced intermittent success indoors, he recently retired from his opener in Shanghai, offering Cilic a chance for an upset.

Match Prediction: Cilic in Three Sets

Previous Meetings: Ruud leads 3-0
Surface: Indoor hard court
Cilic’s Last Match: Victory over Kjaer
Ruud’s Recent Form: Retired from Shanghai opener

Shapovalov Takes on Borg: A David vs. Goliath Story

No. 3 seed Denis Shapovalov enters the tournament with a solid track record on indoor hard courts. The Canadian, ranked 23rd, has claimed four titles, three of them indoors, including a triumph in Dallas earlier this year.

Shapovalov’s first match in Stockholm will be against Leo Borg, marking their first-ever encounter. Borg, a promising Swedish player, gained entry via a wildcard and is currently ranked 622 in the world. He managed a noteworthy win over Sebastian Ofner, 6-3, 6-4, earning a spot in the second round.

While Borg’s journey to this stage is commendable, Shapovalov’s superior ranking and skill set make him the favorite to advance.