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Indian Wells Men’s Semifinal Previews & Picks

By Nate Slaymaker

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Indian Wells Men’s Semifinal Previews & Picks

The BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells was one point away from the dream semifinal match ups. Novak Djokovic walked over Bernard Tomic, who withdrew with wisdom tooth pain. Andy Murray flew by Feliciano Lopez. After a tight first set, Roger Federer bageled Tomas Berdych in the second. Three of the Big Four were set and only awaiting Rafael Nadal. Milos Raonic had other plans. Perhaps Raonic has finally turned the corner on his way toward the tennis elite.

It may not be the dream match up of the best four players in tennis, but the lineup for Saturday’s semifinals is as good as it gets.

The big serving Canadian saved three match points in the second set, which he won 12-10 in the tiebreaker. After saving multiple break points in the third set, Raonic broke at five all and had no trouble serving out the match. It may not be the dream match up of the best four players in tennis, but the lineup for Saturday’s semifinals is as good as it gets.

Novak Djokovic (SRB) vs. Andy Murray (GRB)

Mar 18, 2015; Indian Wells, CA, USA; Novak Djokovic (SER) reacts during his match against John Isner (USA) in the BNP Paribas open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Djokovic won 6-4, 7-6. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

What a match up this will be, as the two players who dueled for the first Grand Slam title of the year will face off for a spot in the finals of the first Masters 1000 event of the year. Djokovic has been his usual self in 2015. He’s got a 14-2 record and an Australian Open title in his pocket. He also has big wins over players like Raonic, Stan Wawrinka, Berdych, and Murray.

Djokovic has not over extended himself, playing in only his fourth tournament of the year. Djokovic has had the easiest road to the semis. After beating his Indian Wells rival, John Isner, Djokovic had a walkover in his quarterfinal match when Tomic could not play. He will be well-rested and while he hasn’t had as much of a challenge, there is no doubt he will be amped up to face Murray.

Murray’s season took a downward turn after his final appearance in Melbourne, by his standards at least. He could not get past the quarterfinal of Rotterdam or Dubai. Murray looked like he was back to his best self in his win over Feliciano Lopez in the quarters. Is he ready for one of the toughest tasks in tennis: beating Djokovic on hard courts?

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Djokovic has owned this rivalry over their careers and for the past year. He has a 16-8 head-to-head career advantage and has won the past five meetings, all on hard courts. Murray has an amazing two handed backhand, excellent defense, a good serve, and great speed. The problem is that in each area, Djokovic is just a notch better. Couple that with the mental edge the world No.1 has over Murray and that spells another win for Djokovic.

Prediction: Djokovic

Milos Raonic (CAN) vs. Roger Federer (SUI)

Raonic pulled off the best win of his career on Friday. He has some great results in the past, but the manner in which he beat Nadal was the most impressive. He staved off three match points in a grueling second set tiebreaker against a player that has no quit and never lets up. Raonic persevered through a tough third set and finally broke to take the victory.

Mar 20, 2015; Indian Wells, CA, USA; Roger Federer (SUI) celebrates during his quarter final match against Tomas Berdych (CZE) at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Federer won 6-4, 6-0. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Questions about Raonic’s ability to beat the best have surrounded him ever since he rose to the top ten. A win over Nadal answers part of that questions. Beating two more of the Big Four is one of the most daunting tasks in sports. In his quarterfinal win and during this run at Indian Wells, Raonic has backed up his serve with a huge inside out forehand and opportune net play. Next up for the big Canadian? The best player ever…

Shadowed by his early loss at the Australian Open, Federer is having the best 2015 of any player on tour. With a record of 15-1, that loss to Seppi is the only blemish on his season. Federer has also won two titles, in Brisbane and Dubai, and boasts wins over Grogor Dimitrov, Raonic, and Djokovic. Any thought that Federer would ride quietly in to the sunset have been squashed.

For the top players, facing Raonic is more of a mental game than physical. Raonic will rarely give opponents a chance to get into his service games and when he does, they have to take advantage. As the aces fly by, Federer will have to stay positive and bide his time.

Perhaps the most mentally sound player tennis have ever scene, Federer knows how to beat a big server. Federer is 8-1 against Raonic. That one loss came last year in the Paris Masters. Federer already has a win over Raonic this year and has been playing well enough to earn another on Saturday.

Prediction: Federer

Next: Indian Wells Mens Top 8 Contenders

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