After pushing Roger Federer to the brink in Madrid, Milos Raonic has set up a possible quarter final meeting with the 16-time grand slam champion in Halle. Al Dannity examines Raonic’s dominant display in the second round to progress to the last eight.
Raonic finds that extra gear
The Milos Raonic success story from the clay court season has continued through to the grass court campaign. Wimbledon is less than two weeks away and Raonic is making the most of his brief chance to get used to the change in surfaces. After an edgy opening round battle with home favorite Philipp Petzschner, where he won 7-6 7-6, the Thornhill, Ont. player found his stride in his second outing.
Chinese qualifier Zhe Zhang was no match for the big serving Canadian as Raonic won in a rout, 6-1 6-1. The speed of Raonic’s victory over the 217th ranked Zhang was arguably the most impressive aspect of his display. Raonic took the first set in just 20 minutes and closed out the match in 52 minutes. He may have played for less than an hour but the Canadian’s game looked in tune. With that win he advances to the quarter final, to take on either Roger Federer or Florian Mayer. With five titles in Halle to his name, Federer will be expected to beat the world No. 29 and face Raonic next.
An ideal test
To be the best you’ve got to beat the best and Raonic will get another shot at shocking the greatest of all time on Friday. Assuming Federer wins through, he will set up a third career meeting with Raonic. Both of their previous encounters took place earlier this year and both saw the Canadian come within inches of shocking the world No. 3. First came Indian Wells, where Raonic took the first set before Federer fought back to win in three sets. Last month they duelled in Madrid and once again Raonic took the opening set. Federer fought back again but needed a third set tie-break to finish off his young opponent.
With their meetings on hard and clay courts both going to Federer, the Swiss master will be heavily favored to triumph on grass in Halle. Raonic however will not wilt on center stage and he has the tools to force the best out of Federer once more. An upset would do wonders for Raonic’s confidence but even a strong showing would be a boost before the eyes of the Tennis world turn to SW19 in London for Wimbledon.
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There have been lots players like Raonic in the past, they show some potential but quickly vanish from the big stage. Raonic will certainly follow the same path, after he realize he is not in million years to challenge real champions like Federer. In history, player like him is just dust to be forgotten.
Hi Jason, thanks for your comment. There certainly have been a lot of players who were dubbed the next Federer that didn’t pan out, like Richard Gaquet for example. Raonic however looks to have all the tools and, crucially, the mind to bring them all together. The strides he has made since coming on tour are remarkable and show consistent signs of progress. To me, he’s the real deal.
Jason,
People probably made comments simmer to yours about Federer, Nadal and Djokovic at one time. This time it seems like every tennis expert disagrees with you about Raonic. I guess time will tell.
I think, I wish to be dust like Raonic. He is great, Ihope some day he will bring Wimbledon cup for Canada