Cilic, Mladenovic, Hogenkamp and Rus in the spotlight on Thursday

The fourth day of the Ricoh Open promises fireworks. Topseed Marin Cilic (ATP-7) makes his comeback at the Autotron after 11 years. Since his last visit as a teenager in 2006 the Croatian has won a Grand Slam title (US Open 2014) and became a solid top 10 player.

Cilic will open his grass season against former top 10 player Janko Tipsarevic (ATP-61) from Serbia. Ivo Karlovic (ATP-24), Croatia’s number two, is also part of the main programme. The 38-year-old ace specialist will compete against wildcard player Stefan Kozlov (ATP-150) from the United States, who is 19 years younger.

Before the Dutch take center stage Kristina Mladenovic (WTA-13) will play her second round match. The French top player is second seed in Rosmalen and is one of the favorites to win the title. The 24-year-old Mladenovic will meet Aliaksandra Sasnovich (WTA-90) from Belarus.

Richel Hogenkamp and Arantxa Rus provide the public with an orange color on Thursday. The 19-year-old Croatian and fifth seed Ana Konjuh (WTA-33) and Czech qualifier Andrea Hlavackova will try to stop the Dutch trump cards.

The youngest generation of ATP players is also given great opportunities at the Ricoh Open. The spectacular 21-year-old Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis will share the stage with his peer Daniil Medvedev in the second round. The Russian was responsible for the elimination of Robin Haase in the first round.