Marin Cilic’s years of being highly active during this part of the season to secure crucial points for ATP Finals qualification are long behind him. However, he can still rely on his indoor hard-court proficiency to earn vital, confidence-boosting results in these events. At this stage of his career, where wins are harder to come by, such performances are important for maintaining a top-100 ranking and ensuring continued playing time on the main tour.
The big-serving Croatian is one of the most experienced and successful indoor players currently active on tour. With 143 wins against 79 losses, he has accomplished a great deal on indoor hard courts over the years. He also has extensive experience at Basel, having competed here ten times and winning the title once in 2016.
That said, it has been a long time since the former world No. 3 won a main-draw match in Basel. He is currently on a four-match losing streak at this tournament, with his last victory coming in 2018 when he defeated Denis Shapovalov in the first round.
Similar to Marin Cilic, David Goffin has faced tense moments during this part of the season over the past decade with ATP Finals qualification on the line. However, his priorities are different now, as he needs wins to climb back into the top 100. Achieving that would allow him to start the 2026 season on the main tour and give himself a chance at a career resurgence.
The former world No. 7 has also enjoyed significant success in Basel. In his previous seven appearances at this tournament, he finished as the runner-up on his debut in 2014 and recorded three more quarterfinal or better results, including during his most recent visit in 2024.
Coincidentally, in 2024 Goffin also entered the Basel main draw as a lucky loser and went on to reach the quarterfinals. He will be hoping for similar luck this time, as he again enters as a lucky loser after losing to none other than Marin Cilic in the final qualifying round.
Head-to-head: Tied at 5–5. After ten meetings, there is little to separate these two, as both have the ability and experience to challenge each other on indoor courts. While either player is capable of winning, a slight statistical edge favors David Goffin, since it is rare for one player to defeat the same opponent twice within a single week.