By Caroline Cameron

After an impressive 6-4, 6-4, win over David Nalbandian, no. 23 Milos Raonic is set to face Roger Federer in the second round of the Madrid Open.

“You respect him,” Raonic says of Federer.  “But you don’t respect him too much.”

Federer and Raonic have only met once before, in the third round at this year’s Indian Wells where Federer came out the victor in three sets.

But this is a different match.  Federer hasn’t played a match since March, so he’s well rested.  On the other hand, Raonic has had plenty of matches on clay so far this season and he’s coming off a great tournament in Barcelona where he beat Andy Murray on his way to the semifinals.

Federer goes in the favourite.  Why? Cause he’s Roger Federer.  But this is the perfect opportunity for Raonic to get his second top four win.  Raonic’s confidence is high, he’s already had a match on Madrid’s blue “Smurf” courts, and his clay court game has significantly improved in the past month.

The match starts at approximately 2pm on Sportsnet ONE.

Quotes from ATP

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