Raonic Gives Canada Early Edge Over Serbia
Former World No. 3 Milos Raonic served up a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Dusan Lajovic on Tuesday to give Canada a crucial first point over defending champion Serbia at the ATP Cup.
Raonic, Canada’s No. 2 singles player, had to hit the ground running in his tournament debut as Canada was dealt a tough draw, landing in Group A with Serbia and Germany.
The 29-year-old was in command against Serbian No. 2 Lajovic, who won four of his six singles matches en route to the trophy last year. Raonic dropped only three points on serve in the first set and five in the second, keeping Lajovic in check as the Serbian tried to jam him with body serves of his own.
Raonic grew in confidence as the match unfolded, converting the lone break opportunity to finally pull away at 5-3 before sealing the set with an ace. He continued to apply the pressure against Lajovic in the second set, and claimed the victory after an hour and 20 minutes.
[WATCH LIVE 1]“I think I was sharp. I was there in a lot of return games. I kept putting pressure,” Raonic said. “I missed a few break point opportunities, but I kept sticking around and took care of my serve, which is always important.
“This is the first time playing in this event for Canada… It’s a lot of fun to be here. It’s a great honor as well to represent Canada.”
With the victory, Raonic puts Canada ahead 1-0 against Serbia. World No. 1 Novak Djokovic and Denis Shapovalov are set to take the court at Rod Laver Arena in the No. 1 singles match.
More to follow…