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Marin Cilic: Indian Wells opener is exactly what he needed

By Harry Floyd

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - FEBRUARY 19: Marin Cilic of Croatia returns a shot to Carlos Berlocq of Argentina during the ATP Rio Open 2018 at Jockey Club Brasileiro on February 19, 2018 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - FEBRUARY 19: Marin Cilic of Croatia returns a shot to Carlos Berlocq of Argentina during the ATP Rio Open 2018 at Jockey Club Brasileiro on February 19, 2018 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images) /
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Marin Cilic is off to a strong start at the 2018 Indian Wells Masters. The Croatian tennis star is getting right back on track.

Croatian tennis star Marin Cilic is back to where he needs to be this week. After winning his opener at the 2018 Indian Wells Masters, Cilic is right on track. His runner-up finish at the Australian Open thrusted him into the men’s singles headlines. Now, with the pressure on, a solid performance at Indian Wells could do wonders for him.

As the world No. 3 in men’s singles tennis, Cilic has a lot to live up to. He is atop the sport, behind just Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. With Nadal out due to injury, all eyes are on the Croatian tennis star at Indian Wells. He has the talent and experience necessary to remain within the top three on the ATP World Tour.

Cilic defeats Márton Fucsovics of Hungry in straight sets. The world No. 3 takes their meeting 7-5, 6-3. After falling in his second match at the Rio Open to Gael Monfils, Cilic was in need of a bounce back win at Indian Wells. He now has it.

Related Story: Marin Cilic: AusOpen Photos

Marin Cilic is one of the best players on the ATP World Tour right now.

Also winning his opener is top seeded Federer. After a rain delay, the defending champion comes out on top and advances at Indian Wells. Canadian tennis star Milos Raonic takes his opener which is a huge positive for him moving forward. Some upsets have included John Isner, Kei Nishikori, Grigor Dimitrov and Novak Djokovic. Dimitrov’s loss is especially disappointing for the Bulgarian tennis star. He was poised to be one of the top contenders at the Indian Wells Masters.

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Marin Cilic is rediscovering his rhythm at Indian Wells. It is no surprise to see a brief slump in the immediate aftermath of the Australian Open. Cilic has rebounded well from the Rio Open and moves on this week. He ought to be considered a top contender for the title at the Indian Wells Masters. Federer is the heavy favorite, but Cliic could threaten the defending champion if he can continue in fine form. Look for the Croatian to carry his newfound momentum into his next match. Check back for updates on all of the Indian Wells action.

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