Milos Raonic in action at the 2016 Madrid Open (source:zimbio.com)
Milos Raonic has told ubitennis.net that he is finally free of any injury concerns after a troublesome start to his 2016 season.
The 25-year-old missed almost two months of the tour after reaching the semifinals of the Australian Open due to a torn abductor muscle. Returning to action at the BNP Paribas Open, Raonic reached his first Masters final in almost two years. Following up on his Indian Wells run, the Canadian also reached back-to-back quarterfinals in Miami and Monte-Carlo.
The recent performance on the tour is well deserved for the 25-year-old, who was also troubled by a foot injury last year. Fortunately, at this week’s Madrid Open, injury concerns are at the back of his mind.
“I feel good, other than the usual aches and pains from playing tennis every day,” he told ubitennis.net.
“I’m happy that I have nothing of major concern and that I am able to go out and play as needed.”
“I can put 100% into my matches without any lingering fear,” he later added.
Raonic kicked-off his Madrid campaign with a tough three sets win over Alexandr Dolgopolov. Dropping the second set in a tiebreaker, Raonic battled to win 6-4, 6-7(3), 6-2, after two hours of play.
“I’m happy to win the match, that’s the most important thing out there. I’m happy with the way I Pulled through,” the world No.10 said about his win.
Reviewing his win over Dolgopolov, the Canadian was surprised about how his opponent played on the court. The style of the Ukrainian was a sharp contrast to their last meeting in the 2015 BNP Paribas Open. On that occasion Raonic took the match in straight sets.
“It was difficult, I was expecting something a little bit different. He was playing much better and caught me by surprise,” Raonic candidly admitted.
The conditions at the Caja Magica, venue of the Madrid Open, are fast which suits the game style of the fast-serving Canadian. Rafael Nadal said on Tuesday that the player with the best serve will win the Madrid title. Supporting Nadal’s logic, Raonic hit 17 aces during his match.
“My serve goes through the court and I’m able to take care of it,” Raonic told Ubitennis.net when ask about the conditions.
“I can apply pressure on my opponent, knowing that they can’t get any looks on my serve.” He later added.
In the third round Raonic will play the winner of the European clash between 7th seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Albert Ramos-Vinolas.