In 2016, Milos Raonic reached the Indian Wells final, ultimately losing to Novak Djokovic, ranked No. 1 in the world at the time. That year was perhaps the best of Raonic's career, seeing Raonic ascend to a career best No. 3 in the ATP.
Two years after nearly winning that ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tournament, a resurgent Raonic is hoping to recapture his 2016 form.
Raonic defeated Joao Sousa in the Round of 32 at Indian Wells on Wednesday (7-6, 4-6, 6-2) to improve to 2-0 on the tournament.
While that was supposed to set up a date with Marcos Baghdatis on Wednesday, the Cyprus native was forced to retire due to illness.
Marcos Baghdatis has withdrawn from the #BNPPO18 due to illness.
— BNP Paribas Open (@BNPPARIBASOPEN) March 15, 2018
Milos Raonic advances to the quarterfinals via walkover. We wish Marcos a quick recovery! pic.twitter.com/upUpwa3Nnw
This sets up a matchup with American Sam Querrey, whom Raonic has split four matches with over their careers. Most recently, Raonic defeated Querrey at Wimbledon in 2016 in the quarterfinals, also reaching the final of that tournament on the strength of a victory against Roger Federer.
Querrey entered the BNP Paribas Open ranked 21st in the world, while Raonic was ranked 38th. Each man represents the last playing at Indian Wells for his respective country. Raonic and Querrey's match is scheduled for Friday at 3 pm. ET.