Milos Raonic’s injury-stricken start to 2017 is continuing after he pulled out of his third round clash at the Miami Open due to a hamstring muscle injury.
The world No.5 ended his month-long hiatus from the tour last Friday when he breezed past Vikor Troicki in straight sets. Recently Raonic was forced to withdraw from Indian Wells due to a hamstring problem he picked up during the Delray Beach Open in February. The same issue is also the reason for the abrupt end to his Miami campaign.
“It’s related to my previous injury. It’s the same muscle, up high in the hamstring.” Raonic told the media on Sunday.
With the clay swing of the tour approaching, it is unknown as to how long the 26-year-old will be out of action. He estimated that the issue could take ‘two weeks or a little bit longer’ for him to fully recover. Last year Raonic reached back-to-back quarterfinals in Monte Carlo and Madrid. This year’s Monte Carlo tournament will start in three weeks time on April 16th.
“To come back when I feel I’m 100 percent. So that could be who knows and how long? It could be in two weeks. I think the ideology behind when I’m back playing matches is it will be that’s the best shape my body can be in.” He explained.
Raonic has only been able to play in three tournaments this season due to injury. Prior to his leg struggles, the Canadian was also hampered by a abdominal injury at the start of the season which forced him out of the Davis Cup.
Raonic’s Miami opponent, Jared Donaldson, will now progress to the fourth round for the first time in his career. The American 20-year-old is set to reach a new ranking high (75th provisionally) following his run at the tournament. Donaldson, who came through qualifying, has already scored wins over Kyle Edmund and 24th seed Mischa Zverev this week.
Donaldson will play either 13th seed Jack Sock or Jiri Vesely in the last 16 of the tournament.
Milos Raonic’s roller coaster start to 2017
Brisbane – SF (lost to Grogor Dimitrov)
Australian Open – QF (lost to Rafael Nadal)
Davis Cup – withdrew due to abdominal issue
Delray Beach – withdrew from final due to hamstring injury
Indian Wells – withdrew due to hamstring injury
Miami – R3 (withdrew due to hamstring)
