Refocused Milos Raonic looks ready to dismiss Chardy

Sky Sports Arena, 5.30pm Tuesday

American ace John Isner has a chance of troubling Marin Cilic on home soil in the Miami Open, but Milos Raonic could prove a more reliable betting proposition against Jeremy Chardy.

Cilic, the highest-ranked player remaining in the men's singles, is second favourite for the title behind Indian Wells champion Juan Martin del Potro.

But the Croatian number one has not looked that convincing on court and Isner has an opportunity to prolong his stay on Key Biscayne.

Isner is 10-11 with a start of 2.5 games on the handicap, which can be considered. But preference, now he has upped his game and focus under new coach Goran Ivanisevic, is for a punt on Raonic.

The orthodox Canadian started to ditch his doldrums in Indian Wells, where he posted some promising performances on the way to reaching the semi-finals.

Raonic, whose service game will have been tightened up by Ivanisevic, has continued to make strides in Florida and his latest triumph, a 7-6 6-3 verdict over versatile Diego Schwartzman, suggests the 20th seed may not be far from his peak.

Chardy did well to see off ATP Finals champion Grigor Dimitrov, but the Bulgarian is clearly some way below his best and it may pay not to overrate the form.

Raonic can be backed at 8-13 to successfully concede a start of 1.5 games and that looks the bet.

Recommendation
M Raonic -1.5 games
1pt 8-13 Coral, Ladbrokes

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