Former world no. 3 Milos Raonic has been away from the tennis scene for a couple of years because of a foot injury, but he’s back now at age 32 eager and ready to once again roam and rumble with the ATP elites.
“I think that was the thing that for two years that’s kind of missing the most is getting used to that kind of speed, that kind of intensity and that kind of consistency throughout many hours on court,” the former Wimbledon finalist articulated about training with other elite ATP players. “I think that was a focus for my coach, to organise those things, knowing that that’s probably where I could make the most progress. I felt really good, I felt I was able to do my things well. I don’t feel like I’m that far off from playing tennis that was reminiscent of two, three years ago, however long it may be now.
“But it doesn’t mean those things just click and transfer to matches. I still have to continue working hard at those moments and hopefully those things do come together.”
Now ranked 545 due to his inactivity, Raonic showed tonight in his first round clash with American Frances Tiafoe that he can still combat with the best of the ATP. Raonic lost a 14-12 first set tiebreaker and then won the second set tiebreaker 7-4, from a love-30 deficit in his 5-6 service game. At the time of this article’s posting, Raonic leads Tiafoe 3-love in the third set.
Raonic has won eight career ATP singles titles but he is no longer associated with his long time sponsor New Balance. The towering Canadian now wears a no-name brand of clothing.
So far in his comeback, Raonic has won a round at s-Hertogenbosch – beat Miomic Kecmanovic before losing to Jordan Thompson – and Wimbledon – beat Dennis Novak in four sets before falling in four close sets to world no. 15 Tommy Paul 46 67 76 46.
A win over Tiafoe, ranked 10, could catapult Raonic back into ATP prominence sooner than anyone expects, considering how long it’s taken Dominic Thiem and Andy Murray to regain their top form.
Raonic lost his only other match vs Tiafoe in three sets in Canadian Open in 2018, 67 64 16.
“The competing is the most enjoyable part,” Raonic revealed.
Read the Milos Raonic Biofile here
Milos Raonic · Tennis Canada · Toronto
