Milos Raonic Breezes into Semifinals with Clinical Performance

The Canadian overwhelmed Miomir Kecmanovic in just over an hour

Thursday afternoon on Stadium 1, World No. 14 Milos Raonic continued his impressive run in Tennis Paradise with a convincing 6-3, 6-4 triumph over surprise quarterfinalist Miomir Kecmanovic. Raonic showed off his full array of on-court abilities, downing the Serbian behind a booming first serve and pinpoint groundstrokes.

One hour, twelve minutes and thirteen aces later; the 6’5” Canadian reached the semifinals in Indian Wells for the fourth time in his career. It’s safe to say that the desert brings the best out of Raonic.

“I did a lot of good things out there today and I was really happy with my discipline. I faced a few moments of struggle in each set, but I was able to handle them both and come out on the other end,” Raonic later remarked. “I feel good about where my game is at and I just think I play really well on the courts here.”

After difficult challenges against Americans Sam Querrey and Marcos Giron, the 8-time ATP Tour titlist was seeking his first dominant victory of the tournament. He got just that on Thursday afternoon, putting together a complete performance including winning a remarkable (30/34) 88% of his first serve points.

For Kecmanovic, the World No. 130, he made the most of his lucky loser tournament entrance with victories over Maximilian Marterer, Laslo Djere and Yoshihito Nishioka. A quarterfinal finish in his first career appearance in Indian Wells is nothing to scoff at, and the Serbian will surely be proud of his performance this week.

🗣️💪🇨🇦@milosraonic #BNPPO19 pic.twitter.com/rMGHayPKtp

— BNP Paribas Open (@BNPPARIBASOPEN) March 14, 2019

After dismissing Kecmanovic in straight sets, Raonic has turned his attention to the evening’s quarterfinal matchup between Gael Monfils and Dominic Thiem. He’ll meet the winner of that match next, with a spot in the finals on the line.

“I’m going to watch that whole match” claimed the Canadian. “In fact, I might even watch it twice to make sure I really take the time to properly break down the tape.”

While Raonic spends the evening studying; Monfils and Thiem will go to battle for the chance to meet him in a thrilling semifinal matchup.