Milos Raonic is back and stronger than ever.
After ending his 2019 far from the courts dealing with an injury, Raonic was facing his biggest challenge yet at the Australian Open. Having ousted Giustino and Garin in the earlier rounds, the Canadian continued his winning streak and upset Stefanos Tsitsipas, the tournament’s sixth seed, by a score of 7-5, 6-4, 7-6(2).
Playing against each other for the first time in their careers, Tsitsipas and Raonic were neck and neck until the 11th game when the Canadian broke his opponent and consolidated the break with a strong service game of his own. He took the opening set 7-5, hitting 23 winners.
Absolutely vintage Milos.
Playing at his top level and crunching the ball off his serve and forehand, @milosraonic takes the second set 6-4 over Tsitsipas for a 2-sets-to-love lead at the #AusOpen.
Who’s still with us? ☕️ #SleepIsForTheWeak pic.twitter.com/yEqI9ODyMX
— Tennis Canada (@TennisCanada) January 24, 2020
Showcasing a high level of tennis, Raonic got the break in the opening game of the second set, dictating play thanks to his booming serve and his powerful forehand. Unable to even the score, Tsitsipas found himself down by two sets to none.
In the third, Raonic was able to maintain his high level of play, winning 100% of points on his first serve and 75% on his second serve, forcing the set to a tiebreak. Taking a quick lead, the Canadian notched the win with a forehand winner.
What a win! 🤯@milosraonic knocks out No. 6 seed Stefanos Tsitsipas in three perfect sets, advancing to the #AusOpen fourth round 7-5, 6-4, 7-6(2).
He’s back. #BelieveInTheSleeve pic.twitter.com/XKMBNgq6yt
— Tennis Canada (@TennisCanada) January 24, 2020
He will next take on Marin Cilic, who got the better of Roberto Bautista-Agut, in the fourth round.
Dabrowski into round 2, Pospisil falls
Gabriela Dabrowski, who booked her spot into the second round in the women’s doubles draw with partner Jelena Ostapenko on the previous day, was able to replicate the feat in mixed doubles. Playing alongside Henri Kontinen of Finland, the Canadian defeated the team of Hradecka and Krawietz by a score of 6-2, 6-4.
For his part, Vasek Pospisil did not experience the same fate. Beginning his double’s campaign with Hubert Hurkacz, the duo fell to the 14th seeds Skupski and Murray by a score of 6-4, 6-4.