By Amanda H. LeMay
Milos Raonic will attempt to win the Memphis ATP title on Sunday afternoon, the same title which barely escaped his grasp one year ago, when Andy Roddick outlasted the Canadien phenom in a marathon classic. Here’s a recap of Saturday’s semis and some interesting quotes by Raonic about his timetable for winning his first major and joining the ATP’s “Fantastic Four”…
Melzer vs Stepanek (3)
Turns out that Stepanek was sick last week and almost didn’t play in Memphis. He decided to come at the last minute and almost pulled off the win to advance to the final. In a tough 3 setter with lots of breaks, though, Melzer was able to get the win.
In the first set both players held serve until Melzer was gifted the first break when Stepanek double faulted on break point. That was enough to seal the set for him. In the second, Stepanek had 2 excellent returns that set up the break at 2-3 and he held serve to take that set 6-3. The decider was back and forth. Serving at 1-2 Radek just missed a line to give Melzer the first break of the set. But then in the next game Melzer double faulted on break point to give it back. Once again Stepanek lost his serve and Melzer looked to be in control. However, after falling behind 0-40 it seemed as if we would have a 4th service break to get back on serve. Melzer found some big first serves, however, and held on to take that game and eventually the match. In his press conference he said it was really special to reach the final because he hadn’t played one since 2010.
Becker vs Raonic (4)
In a match with very little drama both players held until 4-4 when Raonic took advantage of a few loose service points from Becker to take the break and then the set with an easy hold. Milos then broke to love in the first game of the second and that was all that was needed to secure the set. The only real action came when Raonic hit Becker in the back with a 139 mph serve. When asked about it in his press conference Becker said that he was trying to guess which direction the serve would come and moved into accidentally. He also said it didn’t hurt but I’m not buying it.
On Milos.. He’s only lost service once in this tournament (a fluke really) when he was serving it out against Rochus. He looks very solid and determined. In his press conference he said that he had been improving in the off season and felt really good about his game right now. Specifically he has been working on his return of serve and baseline movement and he said that he feels like he is a better player than he was last year in Memphis. Another important thing that he says he has learned is to keep an even temperment on court. He even went on to say that he has messed up by not doing this in the past and he realizes the importance now. When asked about how far away he thinks he is from breaking into the top ten or winning his first major, Milos responded that he definitely thinks he has the game to be there but that it is a matter of being able to beat 2 or 3 of the top players consecutively at a slam. He says that he will have to learn how he will react when he is in that situation. He’s very confident though, and mature beyond his years. I really think we will see him there sooner rather than later.
Milos back on the fast track to the top
Dan Markowitz · February 26, 2012 at 5:34 pm
Without having seen Milos up live and in person–I will check him out for sure in Indian Well–I think it’s ludicrous to say that he has a chance to crack the Top 4 soon. Who has he beaten outside yet? He’s 21 and lost to Hewitt at the Aussie Open. His lack of mobility was exposed by Hewitt.
I love his game, his fluidity for a big man, how he goes for his shots, but let’s see him get a couple of top 10 wins under his belt–has he had one as of yet?–before we or Milos starts touting him as the next Big Thing.
Scoop Malinowski · February 26, 2012 at 6:32 pm
Recently watched some 1997 Wimbledon Sampras vs. B. Black. Raonic really reminds me of Sampras, the assassin-like cold demeanor, big serve, of course not quite the athleticism. But I can see Raonic becoming #1 in the world someday, he has the champion qualities, the professionalism, the weaponry, intelligence. We’ll see if he can improve his movement and stay healthy and gain experience. Yes he lost to Hewitt but Hewitt is still dangerous, very experienced and playing with an urgent desperation now because his career could be on the line. Maybe this Raonic loss could be akin to young Roger’s losses to Horna, Mirnyi. All the great players have these types of disappointing failures early in their career. I see #1 qualities in Raonic.
Gans · February 26, 2012 at 8:53 pm
Dan and Scoop,
I am in downtown SanDiego until Thurday.
Any idea where I can get to play some tennis w/o driving too far (got to take a cab)? My son’s coach Gary told me about Barnes Tennis Center, but that seems to be a paid facility.
I don’t know if any of you have been here, but thought of asking. It’s a shame that there aren’t any public courts at walkable distance from Mariott where I am staying.
Scoop Malinowski · February 26, 2012 at 9:12 pm
Hi Gans, Haven’t been to SD since 1992 and wasn’t playing yet back then. Might be hard to find a place in downtown, might want to try the tenniswarehouse.com forum. actually I will start a thread for you in there in adult tournaments and leagues section because I’m a member and let you know if there’s any responses.
Dan Markowitz · February 26, 2012 at 11:25 pm
Gans,
Enjoy the weather, hope its warm and sunny. Hey, I don’t know San Diego nearly as well as I know LA where I lived for more than one year. I always look for schools when I’m in a new city. They usually have free public courts. I know UC San Diego is in La Jolla and San Diego State might be closer to downtown. Maybe the Marriot can set you up at another hotel that has courts. Got to get out there and hit some balls.
Scoop Malinowski · February 27, 2012 at 12:24 am
Gans–San Diego City College courts at Park Ave & I-5.
Or better still, Morley Field (a major tennis hub) in Balboa Park.
Good luck hope you get a hit,