After missing almost two months of the tour due to injury, Milos Raonic has called for the ATP to reduce their calendar following his 6-3, 6-4, win over Viktor Troicki at the Japan Open.
The third seed last played on the tour at the Rogers Cup before taking time out to treat a left wrist injury. Raonic underwent a surgical procedure in August to remove part of the bone in his wrist that has been causing him discomfort. It was the latest injury setback for the 26-year-old, who has also nursed an abductor injury and hamstring problem this season.
“The injury developed over the past 10 years, the pain had been manageable, but I hit a breaking point and the pain was not tolerable,” he commented on his latest issue. “The surgery was not structural, more taking away swelling. It’s been frustrating, having more than a dozen injuries that have kept me away from tennis.”
Against world No.55 Troicki, Raonic looks to be returning back to his best after hitting a total of 16 aces in the match and saving the only break point he faced. Furthermore, he managed to hit 31 winners compared to only eight unforced errors.
“It was a good match for me in a lot of ways, disciplined and competed well – considering the circumstances,” said Raonic. “I couldn’t hit over a backhand, but I made the most of it.”
Calls for change
Shortly after the match, Raonic told reporters in Japan that the ATP needs to rethink their calendar. The second half of the season has been marred by a series of high-profile injuries. Novak Djokovic, Stan Wawrinka and Kei Nishikori have all ended their season early. There are also doubts about Andy Murray playing on the tour again this year.
2016 saw both Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal struggled with physical problems. The two have dominated that tour this year, winning all four grand slam titles between them, after having a break.
“Scheduling, the length of the year and how spread out — geographically and throughout the year — the tournaments are, especially the top tournaments for the top players, is something that deserves a second look. It’s hard to peak four times of the year for Grand Slams, let alone for other tournaments.” Explained Raonic.
Currently the men’s tour takes place between January-November. Something that Raonic believes can be reduced in order to help the players to recover.
“Give the players that really stand out mandatory events, give them a chance to play everything within a seven-month period so they can really focus on themselves health-wise, but also on improving, because you need that time,” Raonic said. “We’re the only sport, outside of golf maybe, that plays as spread out as we do without any time for rest.”
Seeking his first title of the season in Tokyo, Raonic will play home player Yuichi Sugita in the second round. Sugita made his way through after France’s Benoit Paire retired in their match.
