Milos Raonic was just three games away from a historic Grand Slam final before he had his heart broken by a resistant Andy Murray in Melbourne.
Being so near to his maiden Grand Slam final is a bitter pill for the Canadian to swallow, however, his recent performance in Australia has indicated that Raonic could be on the verge of reaching his full potential. Unlike previous years when he had to rely solely on his serve to win points, the 25-year-old has brought more variety to his game this year with techniques including more play near the net. The added variety isn’t just a benefit for Raonic, it is also a boost to his fans who can now expect more entertaining matches.
The new approach has aided the Canadian to make a solid start to the year. At the Brisbane International he defeated Roger Federer in the final to clinch his eighth ATP title. Critics may argue that Federer wasn’t feeling 100% during his final, but it was Raonic that decided the match outcome and not Federer’s illness. During his straight sets win in Brisbane, Raonic moved to the net 25 times, winning points in 20 of them.
At the start of the year the Canadian confirmed a new coaching partnership with former world No.1 Carlos Moya. It is visible that Raonic has regained his confidence after enduring an injury-plagued 2015, a confidence that he isn’t afraid to talk about.
“I believe [I can win a Grand Slam this year],” Raonic said earlier this year in Brisbane.
“I think I can have a real chance, and to use the tools and finding ways to manipulate the situations a little bit better. That’s where Carlos will be able to help me significantly, and that’s the reason to bring him on.”
The increase in Raonic’s form hasn’t gone unnoticed by other player’s. During his four sets quarterfinal win over France’s Gael Monfils, the Frenchman spoke about the Canadian’s improvement.
“He improved a lot from the baseline, hitting big both sides. Even the backhand. You know, sometime couple shank, but have pretty good ones, lines, in the big moments”. Monfils said about Raonic.
Unforuantely for the 25-year-old, his run in Melbourne this year ended with injury concerns. Towards the final stages of his encounter again Murray, the world No.14 struggled to move around the court due to an abductor injury. Whilst Raonic’s Australian Open might of finished in agony, the 25-year-old spoke about the positives following his loss.
‘I’m in a much better state where I was 18 months ago when I was in my first semifinal of a Grand Slam”. He said during his press conference.
“So I think I was giving myself chances and I was fighting hard. I was doing things right. It was just sort of how the story played out after”.
There is no denying that the Canadian tennis star still requires intense improvements to consistently compete with the big four on the tour, however, he is taking the right footsteps to fulfill his potential. The biggest threat to his career might not be his opponents, but his ability to remain injury-free.
