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Raonic can't match Djokovic just yet

Novak Djokovic v Milos Raonic

A lot of people seem to be talking about a changing of the guard here at the Australian Open but I don’t really see it quite like that yet.

I think the difference has been the form of Federer and Nadal, those guys have been off their best.

We are still watching Djokovic and Murray at their best though.

This match tonight will be a tough one I think for Milos Raonic.

He has certainly put himself in the frame to be contesting for a major in the next two or three years but I don’t think he will be able to push Djokovic just yet. Novak, for me, has looked the best out of everyone at the Open so far.

It is a tough match up for Raonic because if anyone is going to be able to put pressure on him it is Novak.

Raonic has that massive serve but Djokovic is arguably the best returner in the game, he will get plenty of serves back and frustrate the Canadian.

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He won’t be able to get on the front foot as easily, control the rallies as well and that will test the young man’s patience.

If Raonic serves out of his skin it might be tight, but if he has an off night with it, he will not be in the same class as Djokovic, especially off his backhand.

Milos’s forehand has become very strong recently, he has made great improvements there but he still cannot quite go with Novak yet.


In saying that, Novak will still have to be at the top of his game.

Raonic is one of those guys you look at in the draw and know you don’t want to play.

Because he serves so well and wins most of his service games it means you have to be on straight away on your own serve.

You can’t give up free points.

I think that will be in Djokovic’s mind, he has to be intense from the very start.

Still, I think Djokovic will win the match in four sets.

Todd Woodbridge is a Channel Seven tennis commentator.

The quarter-final will be LIVE on Channel Seven tonight from 7pm.