Goffin takes down Cilic at the start of the Monte-Carlo Masters

The Monte-Carlo Masters started today with a strong R1 matchup between Goffin and Cilic with the Belgian ultimately moving on.

The first clay Masters of the 2021 season started today with a very good matchup in the first round between Goffin and Cilic. It won't be the only match from the Masters today as there is another singles match and several doubles match as well. This match was an entertaining one that lasted over two hours with the 11-seeded Goffin coming out on top 6-4 3-6 6-0.

It started very well for Cilic who looked sharp at the start hitting lines left and right. After some initial struggles, Goffin eventually found his rhythm and pulled back the break to make it 3-3. He would, later on, add another one for the opening set victory 6-4.  

The 2nd set was a considerable drop off by Goffin who was just not as clinical as in the first set. Those struggles cost him in key points, especially in the latter stages of the set which he lost 6-3. He had 10 break points in that set but only used one of those which was not good enough.

Determined not to lose the match Goffin came out focused in the 3rd aided by very bad play from Cilic. His serve was off as he committed 5 doubles faults. Those mistakes came from the inability to hold off Goffin on his 2nd serve where the Croatian won only 3 of 14 points. Towards the end of the match, he kind of gave up so Goffin cruised to a 6-0 win in the final set.

A solid start from Goffin and a very entertaining match to start the Monte-Carlo Masters which is only a teaser of things to come. Tomorrow the bulk of actions starts and we will have a schedule for you later today so stay tuned.