Milos Raonic vs. Roger Federer H2H

Milos Raonic defeated Rafael Nadal in a gutsy manner.  While that match may be a turning point for Milos as he relates to the top tier of tennis players, his quick turnaround is not ideal.  Milos played 35 games yesterday while Federer only played 16. Physically Federer’s match was less taxing, but mentally staring down Rafael Nadal and saving 3 match points and then winning a 7-5 3rd set has to take a toll.  Milos is likely sky high and has to face a man with one loss in 2015.  Milos did beat Roger last fall and the two played a tight match in Brisbane earlier this year.  Milos may have to ride his serve through the first portion of the match if any mental hangover from his big win is still in effect.

This match will come down to how well Federer serves and how well Milos returns.  I watched these two play up close last year in Cincinnati (see video above).  In the first set, Milos won zero points on Federer’s serve and looked like he was a puppet for Roger to move around the court.  In the second set, Milos earned a few break points that he failed to convert.  Still, he was in that set.  If Milos can’t make a dent with his return game, Roger will eventually manufacture a break or two due to the comfort level the Swiss will be enjoying.  If Milos is getting looks at breaks, his elephant gun of a serve puts pressure on an opponent.

My Prediction: Roger Federer d. Milos Raonic 6-4, 6-4 w/ an assist from a mental hangover (I am also predicting big things for Milos in 2015 though)