Channel Seven commentator Bruce McAvaney picked it early in the second set. "Some strange things are happening out here today," McAvaney observed.
It was succinct, but it was spot on. Milos Raonic and Stan Wawrinka had met once in each year since 2012. Until Monday, Wawrinka had claimed each of their annual contests. But having lost eight consecutive sets against the fourth-seeded Swiss, Raonic claimed three of five on Monday, enough to eliminate the dual major champion from this year's Open. 
With his 6-4, 6-3, 5-7, 4-6, 6-3 win in three hours and 45 minutes, the Canadian 13th seed set up a Wednesday meeting with 23rd-seed Gael Monfils, and a chance to make his second semi-final at a grand slam event. Both Wawrinka and Raonic entered the match unbeaten in 2016, and having not dropped a set so far at the tournament.
But with the beauty of hindsight, circumstances had favoured the big-serving Canuck. Wawrinka, champion here two years ago, conceded he had struggled with illness during his win on Saturday against Czech Lukas Rosol. On the same day Raonic had dismantled Serbian 21st seed Victor Troicki.
Only one break point came the way of either Wawrinka or Raonic in the first set, but that chance at 30-40 in the ninth game of the match was the only opportunity the underdog needed. Things looked like they may have turned in the second game of the second set. Receiving a second serve at 30-40, Wawrinka licked up the 156kh/h relative treacle delivered from the Canadian's racquet. But just as quickly Raonic broke back, with all four of his points coming from unforced errors. Stan was sluggish, and Raonic - his serve and volley game on song - was happy to pounce, doubling his advantage.
Raonic had for the most part exuded calmness, his newly-utilised stress-relieving mouthguard appearing to do its job, with Wawrinka gesticulating frequently. After a closely-fought opening to the decider Raonic claimed his second point break point of the sixth game, and unleashed a guttural roar. Raonic later served it out. It was his first win on RLA.