National Bank Open in Toronto: it’s the end of a great career for Milos Raonic

TORONTO | Milos Raonic’s fine run at the National Bank Open came to an end in the third round on Thursday. But the Canadian veteran will have reason to smile when he thinks back to those three games played in front of his home crowd. Because barely a year ago, this opportunity to do it again at home in Toronto probably seemed like a mirage, after he went almost 14 months without hitting a single tennis ball.

Of course, Raonic would prefer a win to a 6-3, 6-3 loss to 59-year-old American Mackenzie McDonald.^e world, against whom, by his own admission, he made “stupid mistakes” (32 unforced errors in total).

Against McDonald’s, the powerful server also had problems with his main weapon, which was not on the menu on Thursday and lost speed as the meeting progressed.

“Missile Milos” was limited to nine aces, far from his standard, and was guilty of six double faults, including two on break points at the end of the first set and the beginning of the second.

More ambition

This is also an old top 3 thing, falling to 545^e rank after two years spent breast injury, want to correct for the US Open, at the end of August.

Because yes, at 32, with only three tournaments in his body in two years, Raonic seems to have certain aspirations for these United States Open, no doubt inspired by his results in Toronto, where he notably beat games on 10.^e the world, American Frances Tiafoe.

Ontario wants to go “one game at a time”, of course. But, he said, he feels he can “still play at a very high level, which is no different” from where he was a few years ago.

“[Je me sens] reinvigorated for a lot of things,” Raonic said of what he has achieved since his return. I love competition. I love preparation. I like the challenge. […] So the progress I made [au fil des matchs] really motivates me.”

“Two years is a very long time”

The US Open is one thing. But the next National Bank Open in Toronto, in two years, is another.

So, Milos, was this tournament really an opportunity to tell the public that you have grown up or is there a possibility that you will come back here one day?

“You know, two years is a very long time,” Raonic replied. I was away for two years… It makes you realize how much things can change during that time.

“[…] And I may not even know the answer in 12 months. I will rather continue to think in the short term “, he continued.

A meaning of his efforts

But one thing is certain: the dose of love that he will receive from his fans, during these three matches, will remain engraved in his memory.

Although, when he left the court to make them dirty, Raonic did not really see those spectators standing. nonetheless, he sensed, from the sound, that something special was happening in the stands.

“That means the most to me,” he agreed. That’s what makes these three games all the more special and valuable. I am very grateful for that.”

“[Recevoir cet amour fait en sorte] that the ups and downs that I knew in the last months, in the last years, will be worth it.