16th seed Milos Raonic has given home fans something to cheer about on the opening day of the Rogers Cup after easing to a 6-4, 6-4, win over France’s Lucas Pouille.
The former Wimbledon finalist produced a solid service display throughout the 73-minute encounter. Firing 16 aces past Pouille and dropping only four points behind his first serve without facing a single break point. The win is sweet revenge for Raonic, who lost to the world No.30 earlier this year at the Australian Open.
“Overall today I have to be happy with the way I did things. I thought I came out, I executed on the things I wanted to do.” The Canadian told reporters after the match.
“I knew it was going to be a difficult match. I found a way to sort of get a hold of it and play on my terms.”
Montreal hasn’t always been a place of fond memories for the 28-year-old. Prior to Monday, he hadn’t won a match at the IGA Stadium since 2013. When he became the first and so far only male player from his country to reach the final of the Canadian Open in the Open Era. The Masters 1000 tournament alternates between Toronto and Montreal each year.
“It wasn’t something on my mind by any means. I’m aware of it. I remember my matches quite well. So it’s not something that I just miraculously forgot.” Raonic explained when questioned about his playing record in the city.
“To come out, to play well, to sort of get the wheels going in a positive way, I have to be happy with that.” He added.
2019 has been anything but straightforward for the world No.3. A back injury forced him to miss almost three months of the tour between March and June. Since returning, Raonic has won 10 out of 14 matches played. Reaching the semi-finals of the Stuttgart Open as well as the fourth round in Wimbledon.
“I’m still trying to find, like, the first tournament I can get through healthy this year. That alone is pretty tough to swallow.” He commented about his season so far.
“But it is what it is. I just try to go out each week as best prepared as I can be, try to give it everything I can, try to have my level progress from one week to the next, as well, if possible.”
Awaiting Raonic in the second round will be the winner of the all-Canadian clash between Vasek Pospisil and Felix Auger-Aliassime. Two players who have paired up to play in the doubles together.
