Wawrinka fought well to claw himself back from a two sets to love deficit but Raonic was the better player today. His serve and volley tactics took time away from Wawrinka and kept the majority of points short this afternoon.
Wawrinka couldn’t use his backhand enough today and his firepower as a result was nullified despite his good performance in the third and fourth set.
Raonic now faces Monfils and given his strong temperament, a semi-final beckons for the Canadian.
Wawrinka 4 3 7 6 3
Raonic 6 6 5 4 6
Two Australian Open title contenders collide tonight as former champion Stanislas Wawrinka clashes with rising star Milos Raonic. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 2pm (AEDT).
Out of all the Round 4 match-ups, tonight’s contest looks the most competitive, with both Raonic and Wawrinka yet to drop a set en route to the fourth round.
Wawrinka possesses a dominant 4-0 winning record over Raonic, but most of those matches have been competitive affairs.
The highlight of Raonic’s year thus far was securing the Brisbane International several weeks ago, defeating Swiss maestro Roger Federer in straight sets. The Canadian has used that title-winning run in Brisbane as a springboard for a major tilt at the Australian Open.
If Raonic hopes to cause the upset and beat Wawrinka, he has to neagte arguably the finest backhand in the men’s game.
When on song, Wawrinka’s backhand is a match-winning weapon and the key reason he has been able to win two majors over the past two seasons. If Wawrinka is allowed to dominate from this side, Raonic’s chances of progression weaken significantly.
Wawrinka meanwhile faces one of the most powerful serves on the ATP tour. Raonic’s forehand is also a major weapon and the Canadian favours this shot more than his backhand.
Despite Wawrinka’s favourable record over Raonic, this contest could go down to the wire given both players’ present form. Wawrinka’s record however at the Australian Open is strong and such experience may prove definitive for the reigning French Open champion.
Wawrinka in five sets.
Alan
Roar Guru
Raonic with the easy volley at the net secures his passage to his maiden Aus Open quarter-final where he will face Gael Monfils of France. Wawrinka 4 3 7 6 3 Raonic 6 6 5 4 6
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GAME SET AND MATCH RAONIC Wawrinka 4 3 7 6 3 Raonic 6 6 5 4 6
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Three match points for the Canadian Wawrinka 4 3 7 6 3 Raonic 6 6 5 4 5
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Raonic with the forehand down the line for 30-0! Wawrinka 4 3 7 6 3 Raonic 6 6 5 4 5
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Raonic true at the net yet again! 15-0 Wawrinka 4 3 7 6 3 Raonic 6 6 5 4 5
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Wawrinka holds after saving one match point. Raonic to serve for the match! Wawrinka 4 3 7 6 3 Raonic 6 6 5 4 5
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Wawrinka again lets his forehand do the damage and its game point Wawrinka 4 3 7 6 2 Raonic 6 6 5 4 5
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Wawrinka nips the line with the forehand and its deuce! What a clutch shot! Wawrinka 4 3 7 6 2 Raonic 6 6 5 4 5
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Match point Raonic Wawrinka 4 3 7 6 2 Raonic 6 6 5 4 5
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Deuce as Raonic aims to break Wawrinka for the final time... Wawrinka 4 3 7 6 2 Raonic 6 6 5 4 5
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40-30 Wawrinka Wawrinka 4 3 7 6 2 Raonic 6 6 5 4 5
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Backhand return winner from Raonic who is full of confidence. 30-30 Wawrinka 4 3 7 6 2 Raonic 6 6 5 4 5
Alan
Roar Guru
Raonic's temperament today has been superb despite giving up his two set lead. He is now in a commanding position in the fifth set. Wawrinka with the forehand winner. 30-15 Wawrinka 4 3 7 6 2 Raonic 6 6 5 4 5
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Double fault and its 0-15 Wawrinka 4 3 7 6 2 Raonic 6 6 5 4 5
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Raonic with another great ace down the tee and he edges closer to a quarterfinal here at the Aus Open Wawrinka 4 3 7 6 2 Raonic 6 6 5 4 5
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40-15 Wawrinka 4 3 7 6 2 Raonic 6 6 5 4 4
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Raonic with a good volley at the net and momentum with the Canadian. 30-15 Wawrinka 4 3 7 6 2 Raonic 6 6 5 4 4
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Ace bomb down the tee for 15 all Wawrinka 4 3 7 6 2 Raonic 6 6 5 4 4
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0-15 as Wawrinka responds with the crosscourt forehand winner Wawrinka 4 3 7 6 2 Raonic 6 6 5 4 4
Alan
Roar Guru
I thought Raonic made the wrong move by slicing and moving up to the net but Wawrinka's forehand pass goes long! Raonic in the driver's seat now Wawrinka 4 3 7 6 2 Raonic 6 6 5 4 4