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3/12/11 4:14 AM | James Munoz
Up and coming Milos Raonic dazzles crowd with power and grace in win over Turkish #1 Marsel Ilhan 6-2, 7-6 (4).
Canadian Milos Raonic started off well in the California sun with a sizeable contingent of fans. Opening play on Stadium 2 in a Masters 1000 event is an accomplishment in itself, but to remain composed and dominate play at the age of 20 is even more astounding. Roger Federer for example lost his desert debut, although he didn’t quite have the fan support that Raonic experienced today. Nevertheless, without the firepower that the crowd favorite displayed, the fan support would have been neglible.
The match opened with Ilhan struggling in his 6 minute service game. The 6’3” Ilhan lacked the firepower to win many free points on his first serve, winning 25 of 46 points (54%). Surprisingly his second serve won 16 of 25 points (64%) with mostly kick serves. Ilhan was steady from behind the baseline and fought for every point he could. The problem was once the rally started, he was pushed further and further behind the baseline.
Across the net was a different story. To say Milos’ first serve was devastating (winning 24 of 28 points – 86%), is an understatement. He regularly served in the 130s mph (210+ kphs) and peaked with a 148 mph (238 kph) service winner. The only cause for concern was the low first serve percentage with a mere 46% landing in.
Raonic often plays a high risk game and when his returns landed he was able to dictate play. Whether it was the heavy two handed backhand down the line winners or blistering forehands forcing errors, the Canadian was playing exceptionally from the baseline. Not content to stay behind the baseline throughout the match, Raonic even ventured to the net with much success. Ilhan’s attempts to pass and keep the ball low were valiant efforts, but Milos would not be denied.
After dominating the first set 6-2, it appeared the match would be over quickly after Raonic got the early break of serve. The big hitting Canadian began to take large cracks at Marsel’s serve and this impatient style allowed his opponent to come back. Once the second set went to a tie breaker though, Raonic played higher percentage tennis and closed it out 7-4.
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