TC Plus Match of the Day: Grigor Dimitrov vs. Milos Raonic, Madrid

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In a meeting between two of the more talented players on the ATP tour, world No. 4 Grigor Dimitrov takes on Milos Raonic in the second round of the Madrid Open.

Dimitrov earned a bye to this point in the tournament, but things weren't necessarily much harder for Raonic. The Canadian played Nicolas Kicker in his opening-round match, and it took him only an hour and 16 minutes to win 6-3, 6-2. His serve was almost untouchable, but he also looked impressive as a returner in the match.

Match point from Raonic's win over Kicker in Madrid:

Dimitrov is a player that has a lot to prove in Madrid this week. The 26-year-old lacks a title in 2018; on clay he was eliminated in the quarterfinals at the Barcelona Open, and that was after a one-sided loss to Rafael Nadal in the semifinals in Monte Carlo. If he can't build some momentum in Madrid, then it's going to be hard to buy Dimitrov as a true French Open contender.

Raonic will also be out to show something, as the 27-year-old was forced to withdraw before his round of 16 matchup with Marin Cilic in Monte Carlo a few weeks ago. The Canadian had played some good tennis in both Indian Wells and Miami, showing the skill that once made him a Top 5 player on tour. Injuries have given Raonic plenty of trouble in the past, and it's important that he is able to stay on the court moving forward. Every time he builds momentum, it seems as though he is sidelined once again.

It's worth noting that Dimitrov has been the player that has gotten the best of this head-to-head matchup. The Bulgarian is 4-1 against Raonic, and he also won their only meeting on clay—in 2009, when the two players were not yet playing at the ATP level.

Raonic's serve is going to be an x-factor, though. When he is hitting it to his fullest potential, he is going to have a chance to beat anybody. It will be his best chance to come through as the underdog.

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!