An Indian Wells final that was supposed to be a dog fight between the two most talked-about players of the ATP tour in 2017 turned into another woodshed moment as Novak Djokovic demonstrated to the world what a firm grip he has on the #1 ranking and easily dispatched the much hyped and praised Milos Raonic today 6-2, 6-0 in the Indian Wells final.
The first set saw Djokovic pounce early on Raonic and never look back. Raonic’s serve (arguably is most important weapon) never found range in the first set as he only landed 50% of his first serves in. Against the world’s best returner and pure ball striker, Raonic’s lack of serve efficiency and potency proved to give Djokovic an easy path to the first set. Djokovic attacked the second serves, moving the tall Canadian around the court. Raonic didn’t look like the man that had blasted through this tournament with improved movement and a committed philosophy of moving forward. Whether nerves of the expectations of the big moment or simple wear from the week’s matches took their toll on him, Raonic simply didn’t look like the Raonic of earlier rounds.
The second set saw no difference in play. Djokovic looking fit and comfortable, jumped out to an early 2-0 lead after breaking Raonic. He continually worked the inside out forehand in combination with his down the line forehand to take Raonic out of the points. Djokovic broke in the 3rd game as Raonic’s serve continued to languish. Djokovic looked to his box, pumped his fist, and let out his typical primal yell, as the often pensive Canadian slumped his way to his bench. Midway through the second set, Raonic had only won 3 out of 24 second serve points and finished the match only 3-for-30. The onslaught of aggression continued from Djokovic and Raonic’s subdued frustration was punctuated by a short ball forehand error he sent into the upper seats of the Indian Wells Center Court to give Djokovic yet another break and a 5-0 lead. The bagel that Raonic suffered to Djokovic was only the third of his career, and just another sign at the Serbian’s ability to take his game to another level no matter the quality of server he faces.
Many thought this match would be Raonic’s coming out of sorts, an assertion as a challenger to Djokovic’s dominance on tour. With Raonic having blasted winners and aces all week, and Djokovic seeming more human having lost a set to #149th ranked American Bjorn Frantagelo and being clearly frustrated by a Rafa Nadal in a tense first set the day prior, it seemed now was the opportune time for Raonic to take some of the limelight off the world’s #1. However, Djokovic once again showed the gumption, skill, drive and intensity that is making defeat for him seem like a pipe dream to the rest of the ATP cast.
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