Open Sud De France, Montpellier

[7] Marin Cilic (CRO) vs. [84] Dustin Brown (GER)

This was the first meeting between these two players; however, we know that Brown is not afraid of competing against the top ranked players (sadly, we remember his second round defeat of Rafael Nadal at the 2015 Wimbledon).  He has the game that can frustrate opponents and his unpredictable style of play prevents his opponents from getting any consistent rhythm against him.  Cilic found out first hand just how frustrating it is to play Brown.  His unorthodox drop shots and volleys left the Croat rattled.  At 4-4, Cilic could not hold serve as the weaker side of his game, his forehand, cracked under the pace from his opponent.  Brown never gave him a break point opportunity and served out the first set in style with an ace to win it 6-4.

Every player struggles with a dip in confidence at some point in their career; the trigger may be an injury or the result of some unsettling losses.  Cilic is well-known for his infamous mental collapse against Roger Federer after having a two-set lead and that loss created a mental scar that continues to irritate him and create doubts for him at critical moments, which are precisely the moments he needs to be most confident.  Playing someone like Brown when your confidence is shaky was a tough ask and although Cilic started off well, you saw that he was struggling to maintain his belief as the match progressed. Just like the first set, Cilic cracked once to lose his serve and that was all Brown needed to upset the number one seed, 6-4, 6-4.  Again he did it in style and served out the match with a second serve ace to be the first player into the quarterfinals.

SOURCE OF IMAGE: Getty Images (Dave Rowland)