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Indian Wells: Top 8 Men’s Contenders

By Nate Slaymaker

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Mar 13, 2014; Indian Wells, CA, USA; Milos Raonic (CAN) during his quarter final match against Alexandr Dolgopolov (UKR) at the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Dolgopolov won 6-3, 6-4. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

7. Milos Raonic

You would expect the quick hard courts of the California desert to be beneficial for the big serving Canadian

2015 Record: 11-5

Career at Indian Wells: 7-4

Best Finish at Indian Wells: QF (2014)

Raonic’s season so far can be summed up in one word: almost. He is almost ready to be considered amonst the elite players of tennis. He almost won a title in Brisbane. He almost took out Stan Wawrinka in Rotterdam. Who knows if Raonic will ever be ready to take the next step.

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Raonic seems content to rely on his extraordinary serve, a big forehand, and decent net game. Until he is able to add to his movement and backhand, Raonic will not induce fear into the elite players of the game. He is good for an upset, but not ready for over a week of consistent tennis against the best. He seems destined to have a career of “almost,” similar to other big serves in the game like John Isner and Ivo Karlovic.

You would expect the quick hard courts of the California desert to be beneficial for the big serving Canadian, but Raonic has not done well at Indian Wells. He made it to the quarterfinals last year, taking out Andy Murray. But he then lost to Alexandr Dolgopolov.

American John Isner used his big serve to get to the finals one year. Raonic could certainly duplicate that success.

Next: Indian Wells: Top Contender #6

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