Marin Cilic vs Nuno Borges preview, head to head, prediction, odds and betting tips

Match details

Combinations: Marin Cilic vs Nuno Borges

date: January 5, 2026

Championship: Hong Kong Open

circular: First round

category: ATP 250

place: Causeway Bay, Hong Kong

surface: difficult

Prize money: $680,140

live feed: USA – Tennis Channel | United Kingdom – Sky Sports | Canada – TSN

Summary of the match between Marin Cilic and Nuno Borges

Marin Cilic will face Nuno Borges in the second round of the Hong Kong Open.

Cilic is still among the top 70 players in the world. Aside from his title-winning run in Girona and Nottingham, he has also reached the last 16 at Wimbledon, Stockholm and Basel. Despite a brave performance against Flavio Copoli, the Italian defeated him in four sets, 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (3).

The Croatian started his new season with an exciting victory over Adrian Mannarino. He defeated the Frenchman in one hour and 24 minutes, 6-3, 6-2. Cilic won 88% of his first serve points and faced just one break point against Mannarino.

Meanwhile, Nuno Borges is among the top 50 players on the Tour. Aside from the semi-final round in Auckland, he also reached the quarter-finals in Rosmalen, Marrakesh and Athens. The Portuguese also participated in Wimbledon, but lost to Karen Khachanov in the third round.

Borges began his campaign in Hong Kong with a strong victory over Damir Dzumhur. He defeated the Bosnian in 75 minutes, 6-4, 6-3. The 28-year-old won 67% of his first serve points and saved five break points against Dzumhur.

Marin Cilic vs Nuno Borges

Cilic leads the confrontation against Borges 1-0. Defeated the Portuguese in Estoril in 2021.

Marin Cilic vs Nuno Borges

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Marin Cilic vs Nuno Borges predictions

Cilic is one of the most experienced players on the tour. He still has the potential to succeed in major tournaments, but he needs to work on his fitness. The Croatian hit nine aces against Borges and produced a flawless performance in the first round.

Meanwhile, Borges secured his first title in Bastad in 2024. The Portuguese was unable to reach any final in 2025 and will be desperate to raise his game this year. He will face a formidable opponent and needs to do the basics well on the field.

While Cilic can win points at will, Borges will look to capitalize on his athleticism and move the Croatian up the pitch. A player who comes back well and has a positive attitude will have the advantage in this round.

Given their head-to-head record and the start of the new season, Cilic may be difficult to beat in the second round. He should be able to start well and get the job done against Borges.

Choice: Cilic to win in three sets.

Betting tips on Marin Cilic vs Nuno Borges

Tip 1: Match to get more than 20 games

Tip 2: Cilic scores more than six aces