Rafael Nadal is on a roll at the BNP Paribas Open, dominating his opposition on the way to the quarterfinals. But he’ll meet a young and hungry lion in Milos Raonic. Can Raonic unleash his power to get his first career win over Nadal? Read on as we give you everything you need to know heading into this quarterfinal match.
Another one of the Big Four in Roger Federer makes his appearance at the BNP Paribas Open Quarterfinals. Check out our complete preview for the Federer vs. Berdych quarterfinal match here.
[sc:TennisArticles ]Rafael Nadal vs. Milos Raonic Preview
Where: Indian Wells Tennis Garden, California
When: Friday, March 21, 5:00 PM ET
Line: Rafael Nadal (-190) vs. Milos Raonic (+150) – view all BNP Paribas Men’s Singles lines
Betting on Rafael Nadal
If trends are to be followed, then Rafael Nadal stands an excellent chance of advancing to the BNP Paribas semifinals. The World No. 3 is yet to drop a match against his quarterfinal opponent, Milos Raonic. Nadal has won all five of their head-to-head career matchups, edging the Canadian 10-1 in total sets.
[sc:Other240banner ]Speaking of sets, it’s been a breeze for Nadal at Indian Wells. He’s yet to drop a set in three matches thus far. Nadal has been sharp on serve at the tournament, connecting on 70 percent of his first serves in defeating Gilles Simon 6-2, 6-4 in the fourth round.
The serve has been a big weapon for Nadal this season, winning 86 percent of his service games. He’s has also been able to win some crucial return games as well, converting 41 percent of break point opportunities. With that said, Nadal’s return game will be put to the test against Raonic’s power on the hard court.
Nadal has won four of six matches on the hard court this season.
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Betting on Milos Raonic
Sixth-seeded Raonic may have dropped all his matches against Nadal, but he made a dent in their last meeting, taking a set in a 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 loss. The close loss may be a sign of good things to come, especially with Raonic’s power translating well at Indian Wells.
Raonic hit a 150 miles-per-hour (MPH) serve against Tommy Robredo at the fourth round, which topped the leaderboard in the whole torunament. His second serves were also powerful, clocking in at 125 MPH and 122 MPH. Raonic lost just two points on first serve as he handily beat the Spaniard 6-3, 6-2.
The Canadian is at his best on serve. He’s won 94 percent of his service games this season, and has blasted a total of 272 aces.
But what could break him is his less-than-stellar return game, especially against Nadal. Raonic has won just 25 percent of return points over his five head-to-head matches against Nadal. He’s converted just 2-of-12 break points over that span.
Raonic has won seven of his nine outdoor matches this season.
Writer’s Prediction
Nadal (-190) wins in three sets.
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