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Both Milos Raonic and Viktor Troicki have had impressive starts to 2016, however, just one can go through to the fourth round when they meet in what shapes as a gruelling fixture. Join The Roar for live scores from around 12:30pm (AEDT).
Raonic has had a dream start to 2016 having already accounted for big names such as world No.3 Roger Federer and No.17 Bernard Tomic.
The Canadian kicked off 2016 with a bang after taking out the Brisbane International, defeating Federer in the final in straight sets 6-4, 6-4 following his 7-6, 7-6 victory over Tomic.
Upon his arrival at the Australian Open, Raonic defeated Frenchman Lucas Pouille in straight sets during the first round 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 displaying his brilliant service skills.
He then set up a meeting with Tommy Robredo whom he was victorious over in straight sets 7-6, 7-6, 7-5.
Raonic is seeded 13th and has won eight of his last ten matches, having not lost since falling to Rafael Nadal during the third round at the Shanghai Masters in mid-October.
The key to the match will be to hold serve and break Troicki as many times as possible.
Troicki has a huge battle on his hands however the 21st seed, like Raonic, has also had a great start to the new year.
Troicki recently took out the title at the Sydney International for the second year running after defeating Grigor Dimitrov in the final 2-6, 6-1, 7-6 having lost to the Bulgarian in the second round of the Brisbane International the week prior.
He began the Australian Open defeating Daniel Muñoz-De La Nava in a tough match after he dropped the first two sets and went on to win 4-6, 4-6, 6-1, 7-6, 6-3.
Troicki then took on Tim Smyczek in the second round whom he eased past in straight sets 6-4, 7-6, 7-6.
He must step up his game if he hopes to go deep into the Australian Open. He has never reached the fourth round at Melbourne before, however, if he can hold his line and serve strongly, he is a considerable chance to make his way past Raonic.
The pair have played each other on three occasions with Raonic winning all bar the most recent meeting which came at Beijing last year with Troicki prevailing in straight sets 6-4, 6-4.
The winner will play either Lukas Rosol or Stan Wawrinka in the fourth round.
Prediction
Breaking service will be crucial in this match and Troicki must stand up against Raonic’s impeccable serving skills. The meeting is no doubt set to be extremely close, expect Raonic to win in a tight encounter.
Raonic in five sets.
Join The Roar for live scores from around 12:30pm (AEDT) following the completion of Ekaterina Makarova and Karolina Pliskova, and drop a comment in the box below if you’re watching the match.
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