Canadian No 1 Milos Raonic advanced to his second consecutive Indian Wells semi-final Thursday with a 7-5, 6-3 win over Frenchman Gael Monfils. The meeting under the lights on the main stadium court was a contrast in styles with the hard-serving Raonic overpowering the grease-lightning speed and athleticism of Monfils. "I am happy with the way I competed, and at the end of the day what counts the most is I took care of my serve," Raonic said.
Raonic moves on to the semis where he will face world number 18 David Goffin, who surprised 10th seeded Croatian Marin Cilic on Thursday 7-6 (7/4), 6-2. The final two quarter-finals are on Friday with Rafael Nadal squaring off against Kei Nishikori, and world number one Novak Djokovic battling Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. Raonic, who just returned from a six-week layoff due to a torn thigh muscle, was unable to play in the Davis Cup earlier this month when Canada lost 5-0 to France.
Raonic also beat Monfils in the quarter-finals in January at the Australian Open before losing in the semis to Andy Murray, while feeling the effects of the thigh injury. But there was no gloating from Raonic Thursday when asked if this was revenge for France's rout over Canada at the Davis Cup. "I'm not the guy that holds a grudge. I have one guy across the net that wants something that I want more," Raonic said. "I really wish I could have been there in Guadeloupe, and competed in that scenario."
Raonic beat Nadal in a thrilling quarter final before losing to Swiss star Roger Federer in the semis last year in Indian Wells. Raonic is known for dominating opponents with his mighty serve, but he earned the victory Thursday by hitting just seven aces. He credits his coach, former No 1 Carlos Moya, with helping him make the necessary changes to his game that have enabled him to become a more complete player. Raonic said he resisted change at the beginning.
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