Milos Raonic Rallies Past Upset-Minded Marcos Giron

The World No. 14 Survives a Major Scare in the Desert

In a hard-fought contest on Stadium 1, Milos Raonic overcame a tremendous effort from American qualifier Marcos Giron to advance to the fourth round of the 2019 BNP Paribas Open. In a rousing 3-set battle, the Canadian battled back from an early deficit to triumph in 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 fashion.

On a chilly Monday morning at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, qualifier Marcos Giron thrilled the crowd early and often. While most expected Raonic, with his thunderous serve and booming forehand game, to dismantle the qualifier with relative ease, Giron had other plans. It was evident early that Raonic was in for a fight, as the American played some of the finest tennis of his career.

In the opening set, Giron thoroughly outplayed the 8-time ATP Tour titlist. He took an early lead, and surprised Raonic with his impressive resolve in maintaining serve. While Raonic had several break point chances, Giron saved (9/12) 75% of the Canadian’s opportunities. He took a 6-4 advantage, as attendees rallied behind the upstart American.

Raonic, while frustrated at his abnormally poor form, began to regain his composure in the second frame. Channeling his best on-court weapon, an immense first serve, he roared back behind the strength of a match-high 22 aces. He turned the tables on Giron and took his own 6-4 set to even the match.

The third and final set provided some of the best moments of the match for both competitors. Giron jumped out to an early 3-0 lead and looked primed to complete one of the biggest upsets of the tournament. Only a herculean effort from Raonic allowed him to fight his way back, as he rattled off four consecutive games and retook control.

In the end Giron’s Cinderella run fell just short, but the American will surely be proud of his time in the desert. For Raonic, his visible sigh of relief let out moments after the match’s final point tells the story of the match. The Canadian escaped today.

Next for Raonic is Jan-Lennard Struff.