Nuno Borges Shines in Hong Kong as He Ends Marin Cilic’s Run
Portuguese eighth seed Nuno Borges continued his strong early season form with a composed straight sets victory over former world number three Marin Cilic at the Hong Kong Tennis Open, underlining his growing confidence ahead of the Australian Open.
Ranked 45 in the world, Borges prevailed 7 5, 6 3 in a contest that was competitive but controlled, ending Cilic’s hopes of reaching the quarter finals. The win followed Borges’ opening round success earlier in the week and marked another encouraging step for the 27 year old as he looks to establish himself more consistently on the ATP Tour.
The opening set was closely fought, with both players holding serve through much of the early exchanges. Cilic, drawing on his vast experience and powerful baseline game, attempted to dictate play with aggressive forehands and a heavy first serve. Borges, however, matched him shot for shot, showing patience in longer rallies and defending effectively when put under pressure.
The decisive moment came late in the first set when Borges capitalised on a slight dip from Cilic, breaking serve to take the set 7 5. The breakthrough visibly lifted the Portuguese player, while Cilic, now in his mid thirties, began to show signs of frustration as opportunities slipped away.
In the second set, Borges played with increasing freedom. He mixed his shots intelligently, using angles and depth to move Cilic around the court and prevent him from settling into a rhythm. A crucial break midway through the set gave Borges the advantage, and he remained calm as he closed out the match 6 3 without facing serious danger.
After the match, Borges was measured in his assessment of his performance. He said he competed well overall, even if the match was not as clean or perfect as he would ideally want. For him, the priority remains building confidence, rhythm and belief as the season gathers momentum.
Cilic, a former US Open champion and long time fixture near the top of the men’s game, was gracious in defeat. While no longer at his peak ranking, he remains a dangerous opponent, and Borges’ ability to manage the match against such experience will be seen as a positive sign by his coaching team.
Borges’ victory over Cilic followed another solid display earlier in the tournament, where he defeated Damir Dzumhur in straight sets. The two wins in Hong Kong have provided valuable match time and momentum, something Borges acknowledged as he looks ahead to the year’s first Grand Slam.
The Hong Kong Tennis Open has often served as a useful warm up stop on the calendar, offering players competitive conditions similar to those in Australia. For Borges, the event has delivered exactly what he was hoping for: confidence boosting wins against quality opposition.
As the tournament continues, attention will turn to how far Borges can progress this week. Regardless of the final outcome, his performances in Hong Kong suggest he is approaching the Australian Open in good shape, both mentally and physically, and ready to test himself against the game’s elite once again.
