Milos Raonic relieved about injury after ATP World Tour Finals win over Gael Monfils
Monday 14 November 2016 11:43, UK
Milos Raonic said dispatching Gael Monfils 6-3 6-4 in his opening ATP World Tour Finals match was the perfect way to overcome doubts about his fitness.
The world No 4 pulled out of his Paris Masters semi-final with Andy Murray last Saturday with a torn quadricep and there had been fears over his participation in London this week.
Those were swept aside in a comprehensive triumph over a misfiring Monfils on Sunday night and although Raonic admitted he was not at 100 per cent, the match went far better than he expected.
He said: "I didn't feel any pain to the injury I had. I think other muscles might be overworking to maybe compensate for that. I can feel them a little bit more fatigued and sore than they normally would be.
"But the injury is good. I feel like this is an ideal way to start considering the doubts that I was having. Some of the things I heard in the diagnosis were not the most positive, so this was a great way to turn around.
"I don't think the expectations of what I can achieve have changed. I think the only thing that has changed is can I get through a match."
Raonic's victory over Monfils was built on his outstanding serving. He won 85 per cent of points on his first serve and 75 per cent on his second serve, and also produced 30 winners.
His next match will be on Tuesday against Novak Djokovic, who defeated Dominic Thiem in three sets earlier on Sunday.
Raonic added: "I watched a little bit of his match today. He was very commanding towards the end of his match. He really stepped up after a difficult, slow start.
"It's going to be a difficult task that I have ahead of me. I feel like I'm doing some things well. I feel like I can do some things better."
Watch every day of the ATP World Tour Finals, from November 13-20, live on Sky Sports. Full schedule here.
