When Nick Kyrgios said after his first round match that Milos Raonic’s serving was the best he’d ever faced, some rolled their eyes while others let it slip through to the keeper.
Raonic had demolished the young Australian, but such is the mystery that surrounds Kyrgios’ matches and press conferences there was an air of distrust
By heaping praise on Raonic did it mean he was shutting down questions surrounding his injured knee, which he complained about throughout the defeat? Or was this a tactic to avoid the inevitable questions about former Davis Cup teammate Bernard Tomic’s blowup with Australian legend Lleyton Hewitt?
Or did we not give Kyrgios enough credit – and was the wild child bang on the money when assessing Raonic’s scintillating form…
The latter looks like it might be on the money as the Canadian 16th seed surged into the quarter-finals and looks a smokey for a breakthrough grand slam title.
Raonic has sent down a tournament high 107 aces – equal with American giant Reilly Opelka, who was knocked out in the second round – and also has a tournament best 73% of unreturned serves.
In fact, he’s dropped just four of his 69 service games.
“Raonic’s serve has been on fire,” says former world No.53 Sam Groth.
“We heard Nick say in round one, it is the best he has seen anyone serve against him.
“We all sort of doubt that a bit because we don’t always listen to what Nick says.
“But Raonic dismantled Alexander Zverev who we think has been the heir apparent for quite some time.
“I think that he will do the same against an in-form Lucas Pouille.”
Kyrgios’ views were endorsed by the great Rod Laver, who said Raonic was bringing back the serve-volley style.
Be the first to comment