[dash_pinched]

En route to the Australian Open quarterfinals for the second straight year, Milos Raonic has won more points at net than at the baseline, 141 to 138. Against Stan Wawrinka the Canadian channelled the game of his idol, Pete Sampras, serve-volleying 57 times in his maiden victory against the 2014 champion – according to the stat sheet, at least.

I think it was probably more, at the end of it,” Raonic said. “I don't know if they count every time if the shot ends. Because for me, when I spoke with my team about it, I think I came in more than 80 times.”

By the official numbers, Raonic has serve-volleyed 91 times in Melbourne, converting on 64 approaches. Roger Federer, now in the semis after beating Tomas Berdych, has followed in 46 serves and has 99 points won at net to his name. Novak Djokovic has claimed 87 of his 598 points up top, while Murray is 45 for 56 at net, a solid conversion rate and a healthy proportion of his 428 points en route to the last eight.


http://www.ausopen.com/en_AU/news/ar...vengeance.html