Milos Raonic (5) and John Isner (22) go head to head in the last sixteen at the ATP 1000 Miami Open tonight. The Tennis Review previews the action and predicts the winner.
Isner leads this battle of the big serves 2-0, winning both of their matches at ATP 1000 North American Hard court events (Toronto 2012, Cincinnati 2013).
That period was perhaps Isner’s career peak and one in which Raonic was still developing. This match will see them meet in very different circumstances- Isner is currently ranked 24 (he was ranked 11 when he beat Raonic in Toronto ’12) while Raonic is now a solid top ten player, ranked no. 6.
Back in 2012-2013, Raonic had his big serve, but the rest of his game was still a work in progress. Since late 2013, Raonic, with the help of coach Ivan Ljubicic, a lot of progress has been achieved and the Canadian has a better back court game, a better net game and a much improved return game.
The hard work has paid off- a Wimbledon semi-final, a French Open last eight finish, a Washington title, wins over Federer, Nadal and Murray, a career ranking of no.5, all have been added to the Raonic resume in the last year.
Raonic showcased his improved skills in his match against Chardy in the last 32. The fifth seed was taken to the brink by the Frenchman, wobbling when serving for the match in the second set and being taken to a final set tiebreaker.
Raonic took control in that tiebreaker though as he took it 7-3 with service winners, winners at the net, and his much improved forehand helping him land safely into the fourth round after a turbulent match.
Isner, meanwhile, had a different path to the last sixteen- the American was rock solid in his straight sets defeat of Dimitrov.
It is a good thing both men have recent practice of being clutch when they need to be. Serve will rule in this match, (Isner wins 96% of his service games, Raonic is at 94) and it will most likely be decided in tiebreakers.
That is where Raonic’s better overall game should come into effect. On Miami’s slow hard courts, he will have more chances on the return and in rallies, and the Canadian is mentally tough enough to block out the pro-Isner crowd when the match gets tight, tougher than he was back in 2012/13.
A lot has changed since these two big serves last met, and that should be reflected in tonight’s result.
Prediction: Raonic to win.
Commentary by Christian Deverille @thetennisreview
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