Milos Raonic cruised past young French player Lucas Pouille 6-1 6-4 6-4 to advance to the second round of the Australian Open at Melbourne Park. With this win Raonic has extended his unbeaten streak in 2016. Raonic got off to an impressive start this year winning his first title at the Brisbane International where he beat defending champion Roger Federer.
Raonic got a double break in the third game for 3-0 and in the sixth game for 5-1. He held his serve to secure the first set in just 21 minutes.
He started the second set with his third break to take a two-set lead before getting another break in the third set to seal the win. He closed out the match with a service winner after 1 hour and 26 minutes.
The Canadian player hit 39 winners including 12 aces to 20 unforced errors. He also produced some drop volleys and forehands. After the match Raonic explained that his coach Carlos Moya has had a positive influence on and off the court.
Raonic has started his year very well with his new coach addition Carlos Moya, who has joined his coaching staff and is now working with Raonic’s coach Riccardo Piatti. Last year Raonic achieved his best ever result at the Australian Open by reaching the quarter finals where he lost to eventual champion Novak Djokovic.
“I am adding a few things to my game. I am more efficient at the net. I find my way forward and I cover the net better. I am able to make my opponents think a bit more. Carlos Moya can help me in being more efficient with my game, using my game better, especially throughout certain situations. I think he can give me a lot of insight, on and off the court, especially around two-week tournaments, how I can be more efficient sometimes. I have an inabilty after matches are over to switch off and relax completely. I think he can bring that calm to me. With the vast knowledge that he was, and he has great sense of how to approach, how to talk to people”, said Raonic.
Pouille could not handle Raonic’s big serve winning just 13 points on return.
Raonic will face Tommy Robredo who was the third Spanish player to reach the second round on the second day after beating Malek Jaziri 7-5 3-6 4-6 7-6 (9-7) 8-6.
