TC Plus Match of the Day: Denis Shapovalov vs. Milos Raonic, Madrid

Each weekday, we'll preview one must-see match that you'll find on Tennis Channel Plus, the digital network for the devoted tennis fan. To subscribe to Tennis Channel Plus, go to BuyTCPlus.com

On Thursday, Denis Shapovalov will face Milos Raonic in our Tennis Channel Plus Match of the Day from Madrid.

The fact that both players are Canadian only adds to the intrigue of what should be a fantastic match in the round of 16.

For all he's achieved in short amount of time, Shapovalov isn't known as much of a clay-court player—his 6-1, 6-4 opening-round win over Tennys Sandgren was his first clay-court victory at the ATP level. But he proved that it was no fluke in his next match, defeating veteran Benoit Paire, 7-6 (5), 4-6, 6-4. The 19-year-old has also recently spoken about his desire to improve on the slow surface.

Match point from Raonic's win over Grigor Dimitrov in Madrid:

Shapovalov may need to raise his level against Raonic, with the 27-year-old flashing the form that once made him a Top 5 player. He earned his biggest win of the season this week, beating world No. 4 Grigor Dimitrov in his opener, 7-5, 3-6, 6-3.

When Raonic is healthy, he has one of the most difficult games in the world to figure out. He is capable of serving as well as anyone, but he has a much better ground game than he's given credit for.

But Shapovalov's game will to be equally tough for Raonic to handle. The lefty is as electric as they come, and his ability to rip shots with power will force Raonic to move all around the court. It's easy to see this match going either way.

THIS WEEK ON TENNIS CHANNEL PLUS:

ATP Madrid (5/7-5/13)

-Tennis Channel Plus features five courts of live action from the Mutua Madrid Open beginning Sunday, May 6 at 6:30am ET!