Djokovic beat Raonic to claim record fifth Indian Wells title
Novak Djokovic breezed to a record fifth BNP Paribas Open title by comprehensively defeating Milos Raonic 6-2 6-0 in the final on Sunday.
A routine win also marked the world number one’s third-successive title at Indian Wells, recovering from his quarter-final exit to Feliciano Lopez at February’s Dubai Tennis Championships in emphatic fashion.
A sublime lob helped Djokovic break Raonic in the opening game, and he raced into a 4-0 lead in a brilliant start.
The Canadian was unable to muster a response for his opponent’s strong service game, with Djokovic going on to claim the set opening set four games later.
#Djokovic‘s path to the #BNPPO16
Fratangelo 26 61 62
Kohlschreiber 75 75
Lopez 63 63
Tsonga 76(2) 76(2)
Nadal 76(5) 62
Raonic 62 60— BNP Paribas Open (@BNPPARIBASOPEN) March 20, 2016
Raonic did not play any competitive tennis in February due to an adductor injury, and he left the court for treatment at the end of the first set.
After just under seven minutes he returned, but the pause did nothing to stifle Djokovic’s phenomenal momentum.
The top seed raced to a sixth successive victory over Raonic without dropping another game, meaning he let just one set slip across six matches at the tournament.
Djokovic now sits level with record holder Rafael Nadal on 27 ATP 1000-level crowns.
