Indian Wells ATP 2016

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Who is it going to be? Strong Djokovic or deadly Raonic?



Novak Djokovic vs Milos Raonic



And so it narrows down to world number one and defending champion Novak Djokovic and world number 14 Milos Raonic to trade serves at the Indian Wells final.



Betting tips are naturally favouring the great Serb to claim his record fifth title in the California desert, Asian handicap betting notwithstanding. But looking at Raonic’s strong tennis of late, betting websites will do well to prepare themselves for a possible upset.



The 25-year-old is 14-1 this year, losing only to Andy Murray, Novak’s biggest rival, during the Australian Open semifinals. The big server could have actually won and faced Djokovic in the final had he not been hampered by a torn adductor muscle beginning in the fourth set, breaking his game until the fifth and final set. If we can recall, the Canadian put the world number two to work particularly in the second and third sets, 7-5, 6-7 (4) respectively, in that four-hour match.



At the Indian Wells semifinals, Raonic launched 11 aces to defeat Belgian David Goffin 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, connecting on 66 percent of his first serves.



Djokovic himself has noted the great improvement in his younger but taller opponent. “Milos is probably playing the best tennis that he has ever played,” Djokovic said in an interview. “His serve was phenomenal before the start of this season, but it seems like he has improved even more, especially the second serve. He’s going for it more. He’s not giving you the same look.”



The defending champion though will be meeting his contender on the back of a 5-0 match-up win, dropping only one set out of 14. Djokovic dominated in both hard and clay courts.



Before his meeting with Raonic, Djokovic beat another rival Rafael Nadal, 7-6 (5), 6-2, for the 10th time out of 11 one-to-one.



Djokovic lost only three sets out of 25 in his last 10 matches, including that shocking first set loss to Bjorn Fratangelo during the opening round match at Indian Wells.



Monday’s match will surely keep everyone guessing whether Raonic’s deadly serve will dominate Djokovic’s steady return.



My instinct tells me a possible upset +1.50 for Raonic @ 2.36.



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