MADRID: Playing on the tour alongside Rafael Nadal can be a frustrating experience, but for Milos Raonic it is one that he relishes.
The Spanish king of clay is currently on a 10-match winning streak after triumphing in Monte Carlo and Barcelona. On the surface Nadal last lost a set nearly 12 months ago to Dominic Thiem at the Italian Open. The performance of the Spaniard is one that draws admiration from his Canadian rival. Who trails 2-7 to him in their head-to-head.
“I find it quite inspiring to see what he has done on numerous counts throughout numerous years. Stopping and starting with numerous injuries.” Said Raonic.
“It’s incredible what he’s done and I think it is one of the biggest feats in tennis.
“He’s the man to beat on this surface, but there is a lot of other guys who gotta play as well.”
Similar to Nadal, the Canadian has also experienced his own fair share of injury issues. His latest is a right knee problem, which forced him out of the Monte Carlo Masters. The exact issue is related to his meniscus. A piece of cartridge which acts as a shock absorber between the thigh-bone and shin-bone. He has experienced the injury before, but this time it is to a ‘lesser degree.’
“We (my team) are managing it as best as we can. It is what it is. I’m just trying to deal with it the best way and smartest way possible.” He explained.
Raonic’s compliments towards Nadal followed his marathon win over Grigor Dimitrov at the Madrid Open on Tuesday. He knocked out the third seed 7-5, 3-6, 6-3, with the help of 12 aces and lost his serve only once during the match. Recording his first win over a top 10 player this season.
‘I can compete on any surface’
The triumph occurs at a tournament where Raonic is a two-time quarter-finalist at. The high altitude in Madrid enhances his service speed. Making him a tough player to break during matches. Although Raonic stresses that he can play on the clay elsewhere in Europe and beyond.
“I have also made a couple quarter-finals in Monaco and also made the semis in Rome.” He points out. “I played OK in all of them. I think this one (Madrid) come to me more naturally because it plays a little bit quicker and the ball bounces a little bit higher. But as long as I am heavy I feel like I can compete on any surface.”
In the last 16 Raonic will take on his Davis Cup team mate Denis Shapovalov, who defeated Benoit Paire in three sets. It will be the first time that the two will lock horns on the tour.
“I think he is incredibly talented. Very explosive. Can do a lot of incredible things. He has been playing great on tour since the Roger Cup in Montreal last year. He has had some great wins.” Raonic commented about his opponent.
“It is going to be a very difficult match.”
Raonic is currently ranked 24th in the world.
