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Friday, January 20, 2012

Australian Open 2012: Hewitt Versus Raonic - Preview


Lleyton Hewitt takes Milos Raonic to the street fight in the third round on Saturday. He is the underdog and that suits him well. Both have undergone hip surgeries in the past, but are untroubled at present.  

In the last match, Raonic committed one unforced error per game, which is not a glaring shortcoming. His second serve continues to be equal to the best, clocking 165 kmph. He is serving three aces per four service games, which is not his best. He hit one winner per game which coupled with one ace per game is good enough to see him through many of his service games. His first serve percentage was poor at 54%, but most of these first serves have brought him a winnable point.

Raonic playing at his best is beyond the capability of Hewitt playing at his present best. Hewitt generally plays at his best. How best Raonic plays will depend on how much he listens to other sounds than those of the shots. The crowd will be mad at him and he is not immune to such pressures.

Lleyton Hewitt is bound to draw Raonic into rallies. His strategy will be to draw errors from Raonic. Hewitt relies on his first serve for winning points. His second serve is conservative which prevents him from going on offensive immediately. Raonic has the capability of saving break points, since he tends to find first serve when he needs it. But his capability to convert break point is comparatively less. Hewitt will attempt to run Raonic from side to side to find gaps in court positioning.

Hewitt is a hardened player who has seen many victories and defeats. He generally excels in front of a cheering crowd. Raonic has a cherubic face, but a mature personality. If he gets overawed by the occasion, he loses. If he shuts himself out and plays his best, he wins.  

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