Milos Raonic defeats Joao Sousa in final of St. Petersburg Open
Sunday 27 September 2015 17:24, UK
Milos Raonic sealed a three-set victory over Joao Sousa in the final of the St. Petersburg Open.
The Canadian overcame a second set fightback from Sousa to complete a 6-3 3-6 6-3 win, earning his first title since the Washington Open in August 2014.
This result also boosted Raonic's hopes of reaching the ATP World Tour finals as he shifted up to No 9 in the rankings, just outside the top eight who will qualify for the London tournament.
Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka have already clinched their places at the O2 Arena.
During a typically powerful display of serving, Raonic sent down 22 aces past Sousa, who had also lost their previous two meetings.
The Portuguese player took advantage of rare wayward serving from Raonic to level the match, but could not preserve his own serve in the decider as his 24-year-old opponent ended his wait for a title.
