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Alexei Popyrin vs Marin Cilic Tips, Prediction & Live Stream - Popyrin's woes to continue in Miami opener

andrew-hendrie
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Last updated: Thu 19 Mar 2026 05:29

As Alexei Popyrin faces Marin Cilic in the Miami Masters' opening round, the spotlight is on Popyrin's poor form, having won only two of his last 14 matches. In contrast, Marin Cilic is experiencing a resurgence, entering this match with a winning record. Cilic, who leads their head-to-head 2-1, is favored to win, leveraging his consistent form and past successes. Given both players' serving strengths, a match featuring at least one tiebreak seems likely. Ultimately, Cilic's current form provides him an edge over Popyrin.

Andrew Hendrie 19 Mar 2026
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  • Alexei Popyrin vs Marin Cilic predictions for Thursday's ATP Miami R1 match
  • Popyrin in woeful form with 2-12 record in last 14 matches
  • Cilic has won the last two meetings between the pair - including a R1 in Miami
  • The match is scheduled to start around 6.30am AEDT on Friday March 20
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Marin Cilic
Marin Cilic (Photo by Getty Images)


Alexei Popyrin vs Marin Cilic Tips, Prediction & Live Stream


Alexei Popyrin has been in dire form and there's no indication the Aussie is about to turn things around as he prepares to face Marin Cilic in the opening round of the Miami Masters on Thursday.

Popyrin has the potential to be top 10 - he showcased that talent by winning his first Masters 1000 title in Canada a couple of years ago, but instead of taking his game to the next level, he's regressed - and badly. Indeed, Popyrin has gone 2-12 in his last 14 matches dating back to July last year - and one of those victories was over an unranked club player in Doha. He's in strife, there's no two ways around it.

Cilic meanwhile is enjoying a nice little resurgence - the 37-year-old has won more matches than he's lost in 2026 and proving that when injury-free, he's still easily a top 50 player. The Croatian has a winning record over Popyrin and is in far superior form at the moment. I'm backing Cilic to prevail, while a tiebreak also looks a decent option given both players' big serving.
  • Popyrin has lost 12 of his last 14 matches
  • Popyrin has lost his last eight matches vs top 50 players
  • Cilic has seen 1+ tiebreak in five of his last six matches
  • Cilic beat Popyrin in Miami in 2022

Popyrin vs Cilic Head To Head

Cilic leads 2-1. Popyrin's lone win came in their first meeting during his title run in Singapore in 2021.

YearWinnerEventRoundSurfaceScore
2025Marin ČilićDubaiRound of 16Outdoor Hard5–7, 6–3, 6–4
2022Marin ČilićATP Masters 1000 MiamiRound of 64Outdoor Hard6–0, 6–3
2021Alexei PopyrinSingaporeSemifinalIndoor Hard7–6(5), 7–6(2)

Alexei Popyrin Form Analysis

  • 2026 Record: 2-7
  • ATP Miami Record: 6-5
  • Current Ranking: No. 47
  • Career-High Ranking: No. 19 (August 2025)

It's been an alarming drop in form for Popyrin, who will most likely be set for further ranking slides in the coming months.

Popyrin has been in all sorts of trouble over the last seven months or so, winning just two matches since last year's American hardcourt summer.

The Aussie lost in the first round of every event he contested during the summer and dropping down to Challenger level didn't even help.

There's just no signs a change in fortune is about to occur, with Popyrin going down 6-3 6-4 to Jenson Brooksby in the opening round of Indian Wells last week.

Marin Cilic Form Analysis

  • 2026 Record: 6-5
  • ATP Miami Record: 15-13
  • Current Ranking: No. 49
  • Career-High Ranking: No. 3 (2018)

Cilic has clawed his way back into the top 50 in the twilight of his career and it will be interesting to see if he can keep climbing.

The 37-year-old has enjoyed a promising start to the season, highlighted by a third round run at the Australian Open (beating Shapovalov) and semi-final finish in Dallas, where he took out Learner Tien.

However, the Croatian hasn't been at his best in his last two tournaments, suffering opening round exits to Brandon Nakashima in Delray Beach and Zachary Svajda in Indian Wells.

Cilic hasn't really played his best tennis in Miami over the years, but he did make the quarter-finals all the way back in 2013.

Popyrin vs Cilic Live Stream

Watch and bet on Alexei Popyrin vs Marin Cilic live tennis from Miami.

You can watch and bet on the match live at Unibet > Tennis > ATP Miami with the action available to stream on desktop and mobile.

Geo-restrictions apply, you'll need a funded account or to have placed a bet in the last 24 hours to gain access. 18+ terms and conditions apply.

Verdict

Popyrin remains in terrible form - backing Cilic to come out on top with at least one tiebreak.

Best Bet1: Cilic Win H2H $1.60 at Playup - 3 Units
Best Bet2: Over 0.5 Total Tiebreaks $1.91 at dabble - 1 Unit
Cilic Win
H2H
$1.60 - 3 Units
Use Easyform
The Ultimate Form Guide

18+ only. Gamble Responsibly. T&Cs apply

Bet at Playup
Over 0.5
Total Tiebreaks
$1.91 - 1 Unit
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Alexei Popyrin v Marin Cilic