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Miami Open: Top Mens Contenders

By Nate Slaymaker

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Mar 27, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Milos Raonic hits a forehand against Rafael Nadal (not pictured) on day eleven of the Sony Open at Crandon Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Raonic is climbing up the rankings and is close on the heels of Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, and Kei Nishikori at Nos.3-5.

8. Milos Raonic

2015 Record: 15-6

Career at Miami: 5-2

Best Finish at Miami: QF (’14)

Raonic is climbing up the rankings and is close on the heels of Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, and Kei Nishikori at Nos.3-5. His win over Nadal at Indian Wells was huge for his confidence and play moving forward. Federer did not have a problem with the big man’s serve and was able to use the chip and charge effectively. There are few players that can be that successful with a chip and charge tactic, so Raonic need not worry.

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Last week’s success could have warranted a higher ranking for Raonic. The big Canadian is certainly a threat to any player in the field, but this ranking is listing the likelihood of the players that can win the tournament. Raonic can go far. He can beat a top player, maybe even two. But he is not at a point yet that he can come up with the consistent wins over the tennis elite that are required to take home a Masters title.

Raonic is in the toughest section of the draw. He will be matched up against players who will not be afraid of the aces and have the mental capacity to withstand the barrage. After his difficult section, Raonic’s projected opponents include Grigor Dimitrov, Kei Nishikori, and Djokovic all in his half. Raonic can beat any of those players, but all of them? Not yet.

Next: Miami Open: Top Contender #7

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