Roger Federer breezes past Milos Raonic to reach Indian Wells final
Sunday 22 March 2015 09:34, UK
Roger Federer will take on Novak Djokovic in a repeat of last year's Indian Wells final after producing a brilliant display to beat Milos Raonic 7-5 6-4.
The Swiss maestro reached his 40th Masters 1000 Series final and 127th overall with a masterclass performance in California.
Second seeded Federer got the job done in an hour and 26 minutes and will now take on world No 1 Djokovic in what will be their 38th meeting with Federer leading 20-17 having won three of their last four meetings.
Federer improved to 16-1 this year, with his only loss coming against Andreas Seppi in the third round of the Australian Open as he looks to win a record fifth Indian Wells title.
In a tight first set, Federer broke to go 6-5 up when Raonic, who beat Rafael Nadal in Friday's quarter-finals, went long with a backhand.
Big serving Raonic produced nine aces but Federer kept firm control in the second set, saving the only break point he faced.
"I think I did very well in the first set, scrambled down a few balls and then I did well to get the early break in the second set," said Federer, who is on a 19-set unbeaten run.
"After losing 7-6 to him (Djokovic) in the third last year, I couldn't wait to face him on centre court again."
Watch the Indian Wells Final live on Sky Sports 3 on Sunday March 22 from 8pm.