Djokovic takes on Raonic in Indian Wells showdown
Top seed and defending champion Novak Djokovic will take on the 12th seeded Canadian Milos Raonic in the final of the Indian Wells Masters on Sunday night looking for a double celebration.
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If Djokovic triumphs again, he will become the first man in the event's 40 year history to claim the crown on five occasions. He will also equal Roger Federer's record of winning it three times on the trot.
Djokovic disposed of the fourth seed Rafael Nadal in the semi-final on Saturday in straight sets. It was their 48th meeting since their first encounter at the 2006 French Open quarter-final. The 28-year-old Serb leads the head-to-head 25-23.
Djokovic will go into the showdown against Raonic full of confidence. He has yet to lose to the 25-year-old. But in this their sixth meeting, Raonic says he is reaping the benefits of his association with new coach Carlos Moya. The Spanish former world number one started working with Raonic in January.
Moya, 39, who won 20 titles including the 1998 French Open in a 15 year career, has urged the Canadian to develop a more consistent backhand and reduce the speed on his massive serve in favour of accuracy.
"I feel even when I am not playing my best I am able to find the answers," said Raonic, who is coming back after six weeks off with a torn thigh muscle.
"I am definitely able to play at a higher level this year and when a crisis occurs during a match I can find the solutions better."
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