For the second time in three Grand Slams Andy Murray will face Milos Raonic in the latter stages. Andy Murray completely dominated Tomas Berdych on his way to a third Wimbledon Final. Meanwhile, the big-serving Raonic became the first Canadian to make a grand slam singles final having beaten Roger Federer.
Wimbledon Final Preview: Raonic vs Murray
Milos Raonic is a surprise finalist in many ways. He was originally drawn in the same section as two-time defending champion Novak Djokovic. It can be argued that Raonic has made some serious progress this year, making the second week of the first three majors in the process of his rise up the rankings. A win against Murray on Sunday would put Raonic inside the Top 5 once again in the ATP rankings.
The Queens Final Re-Match
The No.7 player in the world Raonic is the underdog on this surface against Andy Murray for a number of reasons, but Murray isn’t a heavy favourite in this match up at all. Raonic demonstrated in the final of Queens that he can cause Murray considerable problems. A great amount of lessons will be learned from that match. Raonic and newly-appointed-coach John McEnroe will converse about in preparation for the biggest match of Raonic’s career thus far.
In that Queens Final, Raonic led by a set and a break until Murray found a way to win. The fact that Raonic did push Murray to the brink on a grass court, in an ATP Final this season, does suggest that that performance has relevance to their upcoming Wimbledon clash.
Murray’s Search For a Second Wimbledon Win
Murray will be looking to claim his second Wimbledon title and subsequently win his third Grand Slam overall. It is a massive opportunity for Murray to add to the two majors he’s already achieved. This Wimbledon final marks the first time that Murray will play someone other than Djokovic or Federer in a major final, having lost eight finals in total to those two. As much as the Brit continues to create these opportunities for himself, he will understand that this will be one of the biggest opportunities to win another major final as he approaches the age of 30.
This match-up should be enticing. Murray will try his hardest to dominate from the baseline and to force Raonic into uncomfortable positions. The World No.2 player understands that if this match gets played on his terms in baseline rallies then the match is being played on his terms – which he will thrive on. Murray plays his best tennis when he is on the front foot just inside the baseline, while Raonic will be aware that his match will be won and lost in the forecourt.
Keys to Raonic’s First Chance at a Grand Slam Win
Raonic should neglect the thought of making it a physical battle because Murray is one of the best athletes on the ATP tour. It will be intriguing to see how Raonic’s fortunes change when he comes to the net. Over the past two years Raonic has changed his game significantly. He has become able to execute a perfect volley in the grandest of stages.
That becomes even more essential on a grass court. Top players have to take advantage of the speed of the surface they are playing on. Raonic has to capitalize on the aggressiveness of his game. He needs to take the short balls in the air and force his style on Murray. Through doing that he will push Murray behind the baseline and Murray will play reactive tennis – that is where Murray is at his least dangerous on a tennis court.
The contrast in styles will make for a great grand slam final between the two players. They both love the advantages of a grass court surface. Can Raonic claim his first major? Will Murray add to his grand slam collection? All will be revealed on Sunday afternoon.
