Novak Djokovic (Photo : Getty Images)
Novak Djokovic is gunning for an unprecedented fifth Indian Wells title when he meets Canada's Milos Raonic in the final round of the first ATP 1000 Master event of the year.
Djokovic dismissed Rafael Nadal to earn a 25th career victory over the King of Clay in the semifinal round of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells 7-6(5) 6-2.
It was another masterful performance from Djokovic after getting tested several times all throughout the tournament, but against Raonic, the Serb has to duplicate his impressive outputs at the Californian desert.
Djokovic is aware of Raonic's improved performance this season, one of which includes the 25-year-old Canadian's stunning victory over Roger Federer at the Brisbane International earlier this year. But the Serb also knew he has the experience advantage in playing big matches at Masters tournaments, which he intends to use once he faces the world No. 14.
"I will try to prepare myself tactically, analyze his game with my team," Djokovic said, reports the ATP's official website. "We are playing finals, so I'll try to also use the experience that I have had playing in many Masters 1000 finals in this tournament, as well."
Djokovic leads Raonic in their FedEx ATP Head2Head matchup by 5-0. The Belgrade native's most recent win against Raonic was in the quarterfinal round of the Australian Open, where Djokovic prevailed in straight sets.
Raonic, on the other hand, is coming off a semifinal round victory over Belgian David Goffin, where the Canadian youngster hit 10 aces for a 6-3 3-6 6-3 win. The Toronto native admitted facing Djokovic is a "big challenge" for him, but Raonic is convinced he has the tools to challenge the world No. 1.
"I think I have a better understanding of what I need to do. I think I have more tools, and just like today I can be a lot more accepting and I can understand how things happen during a match and I can adjust, which I didn't do well the last two times," Raonic said.
Watch Indian Wells 2016 Rafael Nadal vs Novak Djokovic semifinal round live via ATP's official website.
