Milos Raonic has clinch the Brisbane International title after producing a shock 6-4, 6-4, win over defending champion Roger Federer.
The encounter was a repeat of last year’s Brisbane final where Federer edged out Raonic in three close sets to claim the title and his 1000th win on the ATP Tour.
As the match got underway, both men were consistent with their serve. Raonic looked convincing with his game plan of being ultra aggressive whilst Federer conducted his usual dominant play on the court. The Canadian was the first player in the match to have a chance to break with a double opportunity in the fifth game but failed to convert due to some fiery winners from the Swiss. The constant pressure applied onto Federer’s serve from Raonic eventually paid off. At 4-4, the 17-time Grand Slam champion was being moved side by side by the world No.14 who started to dictate play. After wasting a break point due to an adventurous return that went wrong. Raonic was handed another chance following a double fault from Federer. This 34-year-old appeared unhappy with his service after letting out an uncharacteristic shout of anger following the double fault. Raonic finally capitalized on a break point with Federer hit a shot into the net to hand Raonic a chance to serve for the opening set. With the help of a 234 kmph serve, Raonic took first set after Federer produced his eighth unforced error of the match.
The issue for Federer in the first set was his first serve. The Swiss could only get 46% in comparison to his opponents 59%. In addition the top seed only won 47% of his second service points compared to Raonic’s 58%.
The negative body language from Federer continued into the second set. As Raonic comfortably held serve to level 1-1, the Swiss was starting to despair on the Brisbane Court.
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— Jeff Donaldson (@jddtennis) January 10, 2016
Shortly after the third game of the second set, Raonic took an unexpected injury time out for treatment. The specific injury was initially unknown as he went off the court during the medical time out. Throughout the match the canadian didn’t appear to be in any discomfort as he moved around the court with ease. The organisers confirmed ten minutes after the time out that the treatment was for a right leg injury.
As he returned to the court, Raonic’s service rhythm was in turmoil. Trailing 1-2, the canadian experience difficulty serving as he produced three double faults. Despite handing Ferderer a series of opportunities, the 34-year-old failed to take advantage after a series of below-par shots enabled Raonic to level at 2-2. After the previous disappointment, Federer gave himself a boost when he held his serve to love for the first time in the following game. Despite the encouragement, Raonic was still able to take advantage of Federer’s inconsistencies. A straightforward forehand from the Swiss went wide to hand Raonic another break point. He was able to convert after constructing a brilliant rally to force Federer to produce another error.
Producing yet another dominant service game, Raonic extended his lead to 5-3, moving to just one game away from his maiden Brisbane title. Despite the Canadian having a commanding lead over the 17-time Grand Slam champion, the crowd was still cheering for Federer in the hope that he could stage a comeback. It wasn’t to be as a backhand error from the Swiss handed Raonic his first match point. Raonic only required one as he produced one of his signature big serves to force Federer to return the ball out.
The victory in Brisbane is Raonic’s 8th ATP title and only his second win over Federer in his career. During the encounter the Canadian produced 5 aces, 20 winners, 22 unforced errors and won 20/25 points at the net to take the title.
