When is Milos Raonic going to have his grand slam breakthrough?

[Amelie Mauresmo]

I like Milos Raonic a lot but he's lost four times in the fourth round at the grand slams twice in Australia, and now twice at the US OPEN. It seems like Milos is getting closer, but I do wonder, why hasn't Milos reached even a slam quarterfinal yet? Some of Milos rivals have already reached a grand slam quarterfinal. So why hasn't Milos?

The first three losses, I understand in 2011, Milos was brand new he pushed Ferrer to four sets. The next two he lost to two great players Federer and Murray in straight sets.

But this one, to Richard Gasquet, yes, Gasquet is top ten, but he's a player I feel Milos should be beating.

Tonight's loss, I don't think it was a choke BUT I do believe, Milos let Gasquet off the hook tonight he should have on this match. This loss is going to sting.

The Canadian media keep on saying Milos is the next big thing, yet he still has not reached a grand slam quarterfinal. Bernard Tomic, and Kei Nishikori have both reached grand slam quarterfinals.

Milos is working on his game, but I am disappointed by this loss BECAUSE he was in the easiest section of the draw in David Ferrer's quarter.

This is surprising, three times in the slams this year Milos was in Ferrer's quarter and each time he wasn't able to capitalize.

I sincerely hope Milos does breakthrough though, soon he's too talented not to. But I do hope it is soon.

 

[newpball]

I thought his attitude in the Rogers Cup (the net touching incident) was really bad and that is a real negative to Raonic as a person.

However having said that as a player I think he has great potential, I think his chances of winning from Gasquet where real as the match was pretty even and could have gone both ways. He is still young and he will be gaining more experience in time.

 

[granddog29]

It will happen possibly at the Australian or Wimbledon next year. By that I mean a quarterfinal or maybe even a semi. However for that to happen he has to either have a draw like he had here, or to have a Djokovic or Murray type be upset before he plays them.

This was a good draw but he just lost a tight match he was pretty unlucky to win. He really was outplaying Gasquet the first 4 sets but Gasquet did well to eke two of them out somehow. It felt like the 2007 Wimbledon final where Federer managed to be at 2 sets all despite being overpowered and outplayed by Nadal overall the whole first 4 sets. Just a bit unlucky this time, after the initial lucky draw.

 

[Amelie Mauresmo]

I really hope people are right, I am so tired of Milos losing in the fourth round of grand slams.

But this loss, Milos really tried, he clearly wanted it, but I wish he had won ONE more of those tiebreakers he clearly was outplaying Gasquet.

I know Milos is going to be gutted about this loss because he was so close to reaching his first slam quarterfinal.

 

[papertank]

I watched the match and Milos definitely didn't choke, Gasquet was simply the better man out there today by a small margin. Raonic has done well to get to his ranking but his game just still isn't good enough to go deep into grand slams. And his time as a youngster is basically up, so that excuse is out the window now. This is as good as he's going to get, unless he steps it up and makes the right changes in his game.

There are a lot of positives to take away from this tournament for him though, he played very solidly all throughout. It's a good vibe for him going into the Davis cup semi and the indoor season, where he has the potential to do very well.

 

[Down_the_line]

Tonight's loss was so tough. It still stings for me. That being said, I can handle it because it really was a great performance by him. Should he have taken it in the 4th? Yes, absolutely there were some missed opportunities. Let's not pretend that doesn't happen with so many other players, though. As you said, Amelie Mauresmo, it wasn't a complete choke.

I think it just came down to Raonic being too physically and mentally fatigued to put up a fight in the last couple games, and that's ultimately what it came down to, those last couple games. Gasquet just managed to pull it away from Raonic right at the very end.

To answer your question, I think it really depends on what he takes away from this match. Will he be so disappointed it haunts him forever and screws him up mentally? Or, will he recognize that he played like a warrior out there and gain a ton of confidence? I mean, his performance in the final of the Rogers Cup against Nadal was heavily criticized - and rightfully so! - but look at how much better he looked as a player in this match tonight! He's obviously trending in the right direction, which leads me to believe that he's finally due for a quarterfinal breakthrough run at the majors next year.

In the meantime, I want to see how he performs during the fall Asian swing and indoor season. I think he needs to focus on getting some consistent results at the Masters 1000 events and that starts in Shanghai and then Bercy.

 

[tacou]

As many opportunities as Milos had, Gasquet had them as well. This was about as even as a match gets and while I am happy Richard won it should have gone to a 5th TB.

Also, I don't think Gasquet is a player Milos "should" be beating. Can he? Yes definitely. But Gasquet is an overall better player with a lot more experience.

Top shelf match.

 

[Max G.]

Right now, he's doing exactly as well in Grand Slams as his ranking indicates. He's top 16, which means he should make it to R16, but not top 8, so he's not a favorite to get to the QF. It's not like he's horribly underperforming in slams or something.

If he keeps improving and becomes a solid top 8 player, he'll start getting to GS quarterfinals and further. Right now he's good, but the players ahead of him in the rankings are legitimately better. There's a reason Gasquet is seeded 8th, and it's not favoritism!

 

[JustBob]

Be patient, he's getting better. In the past year, his movement has improved and so have his groundstrokes. He just needs more consistency and more stamina for matches like this one. Plus, he's still young and big guys like him generally take longer to mature. One thing I noticed is that he has great variety on his serve, but the longer a match goes, the more predictable his serve gets. That's a sign of both mental and physical fatigue. Matches like this one offer invaluable experience for a young player. I'm sure he's disappointed, but he'll learn from it.

 

[Backhanded Compliment]

I think it comes down to conditioning... Raonic seemed sapped and Gasquet saw it.

 

[Jdenson97]

I like Milos Raonic a lot but he's lost four times in the fourth round at the grand slams twice in Australia, and now twice at the US OPEN. It seems like Milos is getting closer, but I do wonder, why hasn't Milos reached even a slam quarterfinal yet? Some of Milos rivals have already reached a grand slam quarterfinal. So why hasn't Milos?

The first three losses, I understand in 2011, Milos was brand new he pushed Ferrer to four sets. The next two he lost to two great players Federer and Murray in straight sets.

But this one, to Richard Gasquet, yes, Gasquet is top ten, but he's a player I feel Milos should be beating.

Tonight's loss, I don't think it was a choke BUT I do believe, Milos let Gasquet off the hook tonight he should have on this match. This loss is going to sting.

The Canadian media keep on saying Milos is the next big thing, yet he still has not reached a grand slam quarterfinal. Bernard Tomic, and Kei Nishikori have both reached grand slam quarterfinals.

Milos is working on his game, but I am disappointed by this loss BECAUSE he was in the easiest section of the draw in David Ferrer's quarter.

This is surprising, three times in the slams this year Milos was in Ferrer's quarter and each time he wasn't able to capitalize.

I sincerely hope Milos does breakthrough though, soon he's too talented not to. But I do hope it is soon.

Gasquet a better player than Raonic

 

[pound cat]

Be patient, he's getting better. In the past year, his movement has improved and so have his groundstrokes. He just needs more consistency and more stamina for matches like this one. Plus, he's still young and big guys like him generally take longer to mature. One thing I noticed is that he has great variety on his serve, but the longer a match goes, the more predictable his serve gets. That's a sign of both mental and physical fatigue. Matches like this one offer invaluable experience for a young player. I'm sure he's disappointed, but he'll learn from it.

His whole game has improved since Ljubicic came on board. No longer standing 20 feet outside of the baseline, lots more net play which were very successful v. Gasquet, the bh has become effective, and he's speeding around the court. (Evidently he has lot 10 lbs). He was the youngest of the group in the R16 by far and he will continue to improve.

Meanwhile his results are also paying off financially...big time.

 

[jaggy]

He is making improvements, he will need some luck with draws opening up if he is going to get real deep though, still not a tier one contender but that could change

 

[Richie Rich]

his breakthrough will come when all the old guys above him in the rankings retire.

 

[StrongerThanAll]

Should have been this US Open, no doubt. Now I'm not sure.

 

[KHSOLO]

When he starts playing tennis and not only his serve

 

[PCXL-Fan]

Getting a better coach was a big key imo. Give time for the Big Ljubicic too make a positive impact on Milos, but I already think I see a change in his play style for the positive.

I think the old way he played being a baseline hugger/grinder would have meant a 4 set loss to Gasquet. This match really could have gone either way.

 

[chrischris]

Be patient, he's getting better. In the past year, his movement has improved and so have his groundstrokes. He just needs more consistency and more stamina for matches like this one. Plus, he's still young and big guys like him generally take longer to mature. One thing I noticed is that he has great variety on his serve, but the longer a match goes, the more predictable his serve gets. That's a sign of both mental and physical fatigue. Matches like this one offer invaluable experience for a young player. I'm sure he's disappointed, but he'll learn from it.

Good points.. he is not the guy who has the best enduarnce out there yet. He has to work on that and his footwork has to become better.
Great platform to work out of imo but he may settle for less than he could get out of it.

 

[Down_the_line]

When he starts playing tennis and not only his serve

Watch his matches buddy. Then comment.

 

[BeGreat]

he's a cheater and his incident at the rogers cup revealed a lot about his character.
he won't win a major. i hope he doesn't.

henin was also a cheater, but she won. so, maybe cheaters do win.
i just hate him.

 

[Morj]

Its not so long ago that people were saying the exact thing about Richard Gasquet, and when he's going to start making waves at Grand Slams. We can all make predictions regarding a players ability but what happens in reality can be completely different

 

[Bertie B]

25...IF he has the talent, and work ethic.

Like Nadal, Tomic, & Roddick, the boat came in early for
Milos Raonic (age 18 & 19). Unlike Nadal, but like the others, Milos wasn't ready. So now he must wait for his next opportunity, or burn himself out swimming upstream.

 

[UncleRico.]

Milos is 22. Give the guy time. Comparing him to the greatest players of this generation at age 22:

At 22, Federer won Wimbledon, nothing better than 4th Rd.

Djokovic and Murray nothing better than a SF appearance.

And of course, Nadal won the Wimbledon/French double, with his 4th French in a row. :twisted:

 

[ElMagoElGato]

He's as good as anybody else in holding games because of his serve. He needs to add something to break games.

I only saw him 3 years ago in a qualy in Tokyo. He didn't really have to try at that level and was easy going with his groundies staying behind the base line. Still I thought his spinny groundy is a good part to develop on.

 

[90's Clay]

Being 22 he should have gotten close already.

I'll give him 2-3 more seasons. If he hasn't gotten to at least a Semis write him off.

Most guys show some worth in their teens-early 20s. If they haven't won anything of note by 25 or so.. Chances are they never will.

People seem to have this mindset that now players are late developers. WRONG. THey aren't developing PERIOD!!!

 

[Mainad]

Milos is 22. Give the guy time. Comparing him to the greatest players of this generation at age 22:

Djokovic and Murray nothing better than a SF appearance.

By the time they were Raonic's age, Djokovic had been in 2 Slam finals and won one and Murray had played his first Slam final!

 

[cjs]

I think its unlikely (but not impossible) that he'll ever win a slam. His movement, footwork and ground game is too poor.

The best players will get enough of his serves back into play to break down his ground game.

His serve is world class though. He's going to be a regular top 20 player for most of his career.

In terms of talent I'd rate him similar to Berdych. But I can't see Berdych ever winning a slam either. They'll just never be consistent enough for two weeks.

 

[vernonbc]

Getting a better coach was a big key imo. Give time for the Big Ljubicic too make a positive impact on Milos, but I already think I see a change in his play style for the positive.

I think the old way he played being a baseline hugger/grinder would have meant a 4 set loss to Gasquet. This match really could have gone either way.

What is with the dissing of Galo Blanco? Galo took Raonic from a really green, inexperienced hothead still playing on the Challenger circuit to a Top 20 ranked player. He taught him how to play the game professionally and developed his shots so he could have more weapons than just a big serve. Maybe it was time for a change and maybe Lubicic can get him to the top but Lubicic wouldn't have had anything to work with if it wasn't for Blanco.

 

[pound cat]

What Raonic can learn from his USO loss.

http://www.cbc.ca/sports-content/opinion/2013/09/milos-raonic-taught-a-lesson-at-us-open.html


Yes, the killer instinct is lacking...is it something that can be learned?

 

[Bhagi Katbamna]

It can be learned. Usually, it is learned by knowing that the fitness is there and that everything possible was done prior to the match to be successful. I just don't understand how someone with that kind of serve can lose against someone standing at the back of the fence to receive it.

 

[ScentOfDefeat]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fws9ENCSheU

 

[Down_the_line]

By the time they were Raonic's age, Djokovic had been in 2 Slam finals and won one and Murray had played his first Slam final!

This is where most people go wrong. Why must we compare a player like Raonic to the very best? Very few players have the kind of success that Djokovic and Murray have had. I'm one of Raonic's biggest fans and even I'll come out and say that I don't expect him to have a star studded career. He's not the next big thing. He is, however, an improving young player who has the weapons to be a top 10 player in his prime and win at least one major. If some of you are expecting Raonic to take the mantle of someone like Djokovic or Murray, you can just stop right there.

I think some people are so desperate for the next big thing in tennis that if Player X hasn't done this, this and this by the age of 22 he or she is a complete write off when, really, he or she could still go on to have a great career and find a way to win a Slam or two.

 

[Amelie Mauresmo]

So when is Milos Raonic going to have the breakthrough when?
Nishikori and Tomic already reached grand slam quarterfinals. I just find it strange Raonic has not gotten to at least one yet. Doesn't anyone else find this odd?

I think the Canadian media has REALLY hyped Milos Raonic up, I totally understand it though, we've never had a talent like Raonic before.

But I think Vasek Pospisil, is actually the more naturally talented player, if only if he got more mentally tough he could become the top Canadian.
People say to be patient, he's getting more consistent at the slams I will give him that. Milos reached the fourth round twice this year at the Australian Open and the US Open. However, this match showed, Milos fitness REALLY needs to improve DRAMATICALLY if he's going to get to the next level. To Richard Gasquet's credit he's worked VERY HARD to get fitter because that was the knock against Richard.

If the fitness continues to improve, I hope Milos has the breakthrough.

 

[ScentOfDefeat]

I think the Canadian media has REALLY hyped Milos Raonic up, I totally understand it though, we've never had a talent like Raonic before.

I think Nestor is still, to this day, the most talented Canadian player. And he was very successful too. It's up to Raonic to challenge this claim and eventually change my mind on the subject.

 

[granddog29]

This is where most people go wrong. Why must we compare a player like Raonic to the very best? Very few players have the kind of success that Djokovic and Murray have had. I'm one of Raonic's biggest fans and even I'll come out and say that I don't expect him to have a star studded career. He's not the next big thing. He is, however, an improving young player who has the weapons to be a top 10 player in his prime and win at least one major. If some of you are expecting Raonic to take the mantle of someone like Djokovic or Murray, you can just stop right there.

I think some people are so desperate for the next big thing in tennis that if Player X hasn't done this, this and this by the age of 22 he or she is a complete write off when, really, he or she could still go on to have a great career and find a way to win a Slam or two.

Well we are coming from an era that produced possibly 2 of the 3 best players ever with Nadal and Federer, a likely future all time great Djokovic, and another likely great many time slam winner in Murray. It is natural peoples hopes are high but they are going to just have to accept the up and coming generation will produce absolutely nothing like that. It wont stop people from pushing their hopes for Raonic, Janowicz, Dimitrov, Nishikori, and others to unrealistic heights though.

As for Canadian tennis Raonic is the most promising mens singles player ever aside and already probably the most successful. It is natural for people to be excited and go overboard.

 

[Amelie Mauresmo]

Just the way how the Canadian media are hyping Milos up maybe they are putting so much pressure on him? Milos did reach the top 10 FINALLY last month BUT for only one week though and quickly slipped out. Since Gasquet and Wawrinka are have solid US OPENs both reaching the quarterfinals, he's going to need some strong results this fall to overtake at least one of them.

The tennis world keep on hyping Milos Raonic is a bit odd I feel. Milos hasn't won an ATP Tour 500 title yet but Kei Nishikori has won TWO. Nishikori has also reached a grand slam quarterfinal, yet Raonic has not.

Raonic, better reach a grand slam quarterfinal soon, because all this talk about him being young is getting old. Nishikori is only a year older than Raonic yet he has accomplished a lot more.

 

[MarcusInKensington]

He might get to a quarter or a semi before he's done... but he will never win one.

Cheats never prosper. He's a choker too.

 

[ScentOfDefeat]

Well we are coming from an era that produced possibly 2 of the 3 best players ever with Nadal and Federer, a likely future all time great Djokovic, and another likely great many time slam winner in Murray. It is natural peoples hopes are high but they are going to just have to accept the up and coming generation will produce absolutely nothing like that. It wont stop people from pushing their hopes for Raonic, Janowicz, Dimitrov, Nishikori, and others to unrealistic heights though.

As for Canadian tennis Raonic is the most promising mens singles player ever aside and already probably the most successful. It is natural for people to be excited and go overboard.

I find it hard to subscribe to the "generation" argument. First of all, you can start counting a generation anywhere, with any timeline you want. Every tennis player can belong to one generation but also represent the transition from one generation to another. You can pick any generation you want with multiple Slam winners and call it the best: Connors, McEnroe, Borg; Sampras, Agassi, Becker; Federer, Nadal, Djokovic. Slams are there to be won, independently of who wins them or the level of play achieved. If there's no one else around, how can you know that the next generation won't produce multiple Slam winners called Janowicz, Nishikori, Tomic or Dimitrov?

And even if you come up with a fictional generation (because they're all fictional, you have to "create" them by putting together players who aren't even the same age) where the top players have won more Slams than other so called "generations", what makes them all-time greats compared to another fictional generation where, for instance, 8 different players have won 2 Slams each in a more competitive field, where all of them beat each other regularly and none of them had the upper-hand over the others?

This is why I think you can only ever hope to be the best player in your own career, because all universal comparisons - between players or generations - are aways flawed.

 

[Down_the_line]

So when is Milos Raonic going to have the breakthrough when?
Nishikori and Tomic already reached grand slam quarterfinals. I just find it strange Raonic has not gotten to at least one yet. Doesn't anyone else find this odd?

I think the Canadian media has REALLY hyped Milos Raonic up, I totally understand it though, we've never had a talent like Raonic before.

But I think Vasek Pospisil, is actually the more naturally talented player, if only if he got more mentally tough he could become the top Canadian.
People say to be patient, he's getting more consistent at the slams I will give him that. Milos reached the fourth round twice this year at the Australian Open and the US Open. However, this match showed, Milos fitness REALLY needs to improve DRAMATICALLY if he's going to get to the next level. To Richard Gasquet's credit he's worked VERY HARD to get fitter because that was the knock against Richard.

If the fitness continues to improve, I hope Milos has the breakthrough.

Sometimes, getting to a Grand Slam quarterfinal isn't the best indicator. I doubt a lot of people care that Tomic has reached a Slam quarterfinal because he has accomplished a whole lot of nothing. Raonic hasn't had that big break yet at a Slam but he has reached a Masters 1000 final, achieved a consistent top 15 ranking - and even sniffed the top 10 for a week - and has won 4 titles. At least he's building a solid career.

That being said, Raonic IS due for a run at a major so I'm not exactly letting him off the hook. He has raised expectations now to the point where I'd say it's expected he should reach a Slam quarterfinal next year. If he doesn't, then I'll be concerned.

 

[Down_the_line]

Just the way how the Canadian media are hyping Milos up maybe they are putting so much pressure on him? Milos did reach the top 10 FINALLY last month BUT for only one week though and quickly slipped out. Since Gasquet and Wawrinka are have solid US OPENs both reaching the quarterfinals, he's going to need some strong results this fall to overtake at least one of them.

The tennis world keep on hyping Milos Raonic is a bit odd I feel. Milos hasn't won an ATP Tour 500 title yet but Kei Nishikori has won TWO. Nishikori has also reached a grand slam quarterfinal, yet Raonic has not.

Raonic, better reach a grand slam quarterfinal soon, because all this talk about him being young is getting old. Nishikori is only a year older than Raonic yet he has accomplished a lot more.

You'd be surprised what Raonic might be able to do with that one extra year. I do agree with you though. Nishikori has been the more successful player thus far. They're interesting players to compare, actually. Both are around the same age, have been consistent top 15 players for awhile now, and are leading the charge in non-traditional tennis nations. It'll be interesting to follow both of them throughout the next few years.

 

[Amelie Mauresmo]

The problem with HYPE is that all it is just HYPE. Sooner rather than later Milos is going to have to produce the results at the GRAND SLAMS or be passed over by the next big thing in men's tennis. I really hope Milos can get past the fourth round in a slam next year, because his results so far at the majors doesn't justify the hype.

I hope Vasek Pospisil, can improve as well, too many people focus on Raonic, yet Pospisil, I feel is the more naturally talented player.

The thing about Vasek is his mentality needs to improve NOW. Right now, Vasek has a real chance, despite the horrible US OPEN loss, to get higher

in the ATP Tour rankings. It isn't a matter of talent with Vasek, but with belief. I don't know what Vasek's coach can do but he needs to do something to help this young man. He's too talented to be ranked 40 in the world he should be higher.

Vasek has a huge opportunity, he's got a top 40 ranking meaning he has direct entry into a lot of 500 ATP events, and Masters events.

The question is, Vasek going to seize his opportunity this fall? I really hope Vasek can build on his strong showing in Montreal, and have a solid fall.

Vasek has got the game to be top 20 and maybe even top 10. I know some people won't agree but he has awesome groundstrokes, excellent movement for a man so tall at six foot four, and he has a good serve.

Frederick Fontang, Martin Laurendeau, really need to help Vasek get tougher mentally, I really would love to see this guy rise up and challenge Raonic. Canadian tennis needs more than just one guy, Vasek has the capability I feel to become a tennis star. He's got the looks, and the talent.

 

[stringertom]

The benefits of a lube job are not always immediately apparent!

No knock on Blanco, but I think Milos got stale with him and sometimes a change is good to freshen up things. It's also nice when the coach has a feel for the environment of high-level competition (e.g. Murray/Lendl dynamic). Raonic will 1/4 or semi soon...maybe even better.

 

[Down_the_line]

Raonic's best time of year is obviously the summer hard court season. Time to see if he can continue that success into the fall indoor season and Asian swing. The indoor hard court season especially seems tailor made for his game.

 

[jhhachamp]

So when is Milos Raonic going to have the breakthrough when?
Nishikori and Tomic already reached grand slam quarterfinals. I just find it strange Raonic has not gotten to at least one yet. Doesn't anyone else find this odd?

Not really, he is clearly not a top 8 player at this point, so it would be a bit unlikely that he would make the quarterfinals. If he got a good draw and played very well, he could make one, but it is hardly surprising that he has not.

 

[coolboarder]

I think the Canadian media has REALLY hyped Milos Raonic up, I totally understand it though, we've never had a talent like Raonic before.

It is not just the Canadian media has hyped Milos. The rest of the media outside Canada, especially ESPN, CBS, have hyped Raonic up even though he was ousted from the USO tournament. They keep on talking about him and thought Raonic will break through as soon as the next season. Former player such as Pete Sampras thought he will win a GS within a few years and would be in top 10 for a long time once he get there again.

Even several players think he is a good player and is fearful to face Raonic again in their path during the tournament. There are a few players that is a bad match-up for Milos, namely most of the lefty players has owned him and Milos has a mediocre record when facing a lefty opponents or players such as Isner. Raonic sometimes struggles when facing the players who beat him before.

This year has been a theme of the defending points for Milos except for Montreal and Memphis result from the last season to this season and the points lost from Memphis has been replaced by the Davis Cup run. Milos has the opportunity to make up grounds that he lost early in the Masters tournament in the Fall and could qualify for the season ending tournament, World Tours Finals.

What is even more ironic that Milos has yet to meet Nole this year even though he had opportunity to meet him in a several tournaments but he was knocked out of the tournaments early rounds. He will finally have the chance to see where he stands when playing against Nole in the Davis Cup in a couple of weeks. Maybe there's upset in making since Nole hasn't yet to seen Milos' world class serve and will see if he struggles with his serve in the DC match. Even though Milos might not qualify for the World Tours Finals, Milos could play the last event of the season, Davis Cup final which is far better than World Tours Finals event, in my opinion.

I think that the Davis Cup will help Milos to gain more experience in the pressure situation because he has all Canada watching him if they make it to the DC final. Canada will be at home in the final if Canada beat Serbia in the semis.

 

[Down_the_line]

It is not just the Canadian media has hyped Milos. The rest of the media outside Canada, especially ESPN, CBS, have hyped Raonic up even though he was ousted from the USO tournament. They keep on talking about him and thought Raonic will break through as soon as the next season. Former player such as Pete Sampras thought he will win a GS within a few years and would be in top 10 for a long time once he get there again.

Even several players think he is a good player and is fearful to face Raonic again in their path during the tournament. There are a few players that is a bad match-up for Milos, namely most of the lefty players has owned him and Milos has a mediocre record when facing a lefty opponents or players such as Isner. Raonic sometimes struggles when facing the players who beat him before.

This year has been a theme of the defending points for Milos except for Montreal and Memphis result from the last season to this season and the points lost from Memphis has been replaced by the Davis Cup run. Milos has the opportunity to make up grounds that he lost early in the Masters tournament in the Fall and could qualify for the season ending tournament, World Tours Finals.

What is even more ironic that Milos has yet to meet Nole this year even though he had opportunity to meet him in a several tournaments but he was knocked out of the tournaments early rounds. He will finally have the chance to see where he stands when playing against Nole in the Davis Cup in a couple of weeks. Maybe there's upset in making since Nole hasn't yet to seen Milos' world class serve and will see if he struggles with his serve in the DC match. Even though Milos might not qualify for the World Tours Finals, Milos could play the last event of the season, Davis Cup final which is far better than World Tours Finals event, in my opinion.

I think that the Davis Cup will help Milos to gain more experience in the pressure situation because he has all Canada watching him if they make it to the DC final. Canada will be at home in the final if Canada beat Serbia in the semis.

Thanks for this post. Nice to hear something positive about Raonic for a change. No offense, Amelie Mauresmo, as I know you bring up some good points too.