[To my reader(s)! Sorry this posting is so late... sometimes work messes up my schedule, but I'll always catch up on my blog!]
Date: 3/15/2011
Result: Indian Wells R3, Ryan Harrison def. Milos Raonic 7-6 4-6 6-4
Why it matters:
- When do these hyped matches EVER live up to their billing? Remember when the Murray-Djokovic Australian Open Final was the true start to the next big rivalry, and it was going to start out with a 5-set grinding battle? (you should remember, it was just in January!) Well, the media went crazy with anticipation for this match, and it was good... REALLY good. And what's more, it was a bit of a surprising result, and here's why...
- Harrison hasn't been able to build much since his breakthrough win over Ljubicic at the US Open last year. His momentum may have been blunted by blowing match points against Stakhovsky in his next match at the Open, but following the long winter break, and with a winnable R1 in Australia, it seemed like things were set up for Ryan to make his expected move up the rankings. And then... nothing. His tough win over Chardy was a big enough surprise, and made Indian Wells a good result for him already. Making the 4th round makes this event another important step in the development of the brightest American hope.
- For Raonic, he's already overachieved in every event he's played. And after his win in San Jose (a 250 level event) and final in Memphis (a 500 level event), it only seemed logical he make a run into at least the 4th round of his first Masters Series, especially with a navigable draw. He really should have won this match on paper, but it's not a disaster in actuality. Without the elevated expectations, at the start of the year I think Raonic would've unquestionably given anything for a R3 appearance in Indian Wells. He should use that lens to analyze this loss, and turn his attention to Miami. There's no reason he can't get another decent draw and make his big Masters Series run there instead.
Honorable Mentions:
- Indian Wells R4, Victoria Azarenka def. Agnieszka Radwanska - 46 63 76 - Obviously it's a close match, which is interesting itself, but in a match between two good friends, Azarenka was able to dig deep and save four match points to win the type of match she hasn't proven she can regularly win. Azarenka's got talent to beat anyone, potentially badly. It's the tight moments that trouble her and make me wonder if she can get to the next level. These tight wins over top players make me start to believe.
- Indian Wells R4, Marion Bartoli def. Kim Clijsters - 36 31 ret. - Bartoli can be tough, but on this day, Kim should've won. Clijsters' shoulder injury seems serious enough if she was willing to retire, yet she says she's planning to play Miami. Whatever Kim decides about next week, she should rest the shoulder over the next month or two, and make sure she's ready for a run on the clay. As much as she may dislike playing on clay, Kim's got the game (2 time finalist!) and experience to win the French, and a win there would continue to bolster her hall of fame resume, and keep alive the "Kim" slam. She won't win coming in with no match play. Clijsters should (and technically must) play the mandatory event in Madrid, and then would be well served to play either Rome or near home in Brussels, but only if her shoulder is truly healed.
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