Cilic and Lopez collide in the Bank of Austria Quarters

Vienna, Austria – Top seed Croatian Marin Cilic is through to the quarterfinals in Vienna on his debut at the event. The US Open quarterfinalist Cilic topped Alejandro Falla and Daniel Brands to land his spot in the final eight. He next faces a resurgent Feliciano Lopez on Friday when the pair squares off for a spot in the semis.

For Feliciano Lopez, Vienna is a special place. It is the scene of his maiden ATP title, which also stands as his lone career title since he won in Vienna in 2004. Spaniard Lopez, 28, is a talented hard-courter –not like most Spaniards who are better known for clay court prowess. Some of his best results have come exclusively on hard courts. They have been few and far in between though.

Admittedly, Lopez would like nothing better than to repeat his Vienna success. He is making his sixth appearance at the event and in all his appearances he has reached the quarters or better. Since winning the title, he was twice stalled in the quarters (2005 and 2007). In 2008, he was derailed in the semis by Philipp Petzschner 6-3, 3-6, 3-6.

Cilic will enter this match as the prohibitive favourite. If the Lopez of a few months ago were making an appearance in tomorrow’s quarters Cilic would be a virtual lock to win. And there would be no discussion. Now, with Lopez looking as if he might have found his game, this match is not the cakewalk some might think it will be and he does have a shot.

Tennis Betting Line: Marin Cilic vs. Feliciano Lopez

Match Time: 04:00 am Eastern Time Friday October 30, 2009

Tennis Betting Verdict: Lopez is after an impressive run at the Shanghai Masters wherein he finished in the semis (l. to Rafael Nadal). Truth be told, he was playing injured in that match and at 1-6, 0-3 he decided to retire. He returned to action the following week in Stockholm – perhaps sooner than he should have – where he managed only to reach the second round before bowing out to eventual runner-up Olivier Rochus 6-4, 4-6, 1-6.

In Vienna, Lopez has once again built a nice run to reach the quarters, beating wild card Andreas Haider-Maurer and Daniel Koellerer. Not only does Lopez have some momentum going for him but he also has a 1-0 edge over Cilic – albeit three years old when he beat him in the semis at Gstaad 7-6(2), 6-7(5), 6-3.

Lopez, however, is at a disadvantage on paper. He is only 16-21 on the season and ranks No.45 in the world compared to Cilic who is 40-18 with two titles and up to a career high ranking at No.13.

Everything suggest that Cilic is the better play – after all, he is the proven consistent performer this season. Yet, I cannot help be swayed by how poignant it would be if Lopez were to return into the champions fold here in Vienna. For that to happen he would have to beat Cilic. He has done it before, even if three years ago, so why not now?

Tennis Free Picks: Lopez in three sets