Google News
Playing his first match since July 2021, former world no. 3 Milos Raonic made a winning start in s-Hertogenbosch. Milos took down Miomir Kecmanovic 6-3, 6-4 in an hour and 24 minutes, celebrating his first victory since Miami 2021!
The Canadian was pleased with his performance, reminding everyone he had missed almost two years. Milos is grateful for getting another chance to compete and see how far he can go, taking one match at a time and not rushing anything.
Raonic faced issues at the start of the duel, fending off three break points in the first game and losing serve at 2-0. However, he served well after that and kept the pressure on the other side, breaking Kecmanovic three times to emerge at the top.
Milos needed time to find the rhythm after such a long break, hitting four double faults in the first game but defending break points. The Canadian fired a forehand crosscourt winner in game two to secure an early break. Milos netted a slice in the third game to get broken and bring the rival back to the positive side.
The Serb denied two break points in the sixth game and closed it to stay in touch. Raonic clinched the seventh game with a forehand winner at the net and painted a forehand crosscourt winner in the next one to secure his second break and forge a 5-3 advantage.
Milos served for the set in game nine and closed it with a forehand winner for 6-3 after 47 minutes. Kecmanovic wasted game points at the start of the second set, and it would cost him dearly.
Milos Raonic shared his thoughts following his comeback match.
Miomir lost serve following Milos' forehand down the line winner and found himself in a challenging position. The Canadian confirmed the break with a service winner in game two and moved 3-1 in front with an ace. Both players served well after that early break, and Miomir could not pull it back.
Raonic opened a 5-3 gap with an ace, and Kecmanovic held in the next one to prolong the battle. Milos served for the victory at 5-4 and landed a forehand down the line winner for three match points. He converted the first with an ace down the T line to secure his first ATP victory in over two years!
Milos will face Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard or Jordan Thompson in the second round. "It's nice to be here after stepping away for almost two years. It's nice to be giving it one more try and hopefully going as far as I can. I have put in the best effort possible and want to see how far it takes me.
It's been an absolute pleasure to play in front of the crowd. I did not get to hit a tennis ball for a year, and now I play in front of many people. It was pretty nerve-wracking; I forgot that feeling. Honestly, it might have been a bit easier if I played in front of nobody today.
I'm taking it day by day. It's been heartbreaking many times when I could not do anything, and it's nice for me to be here one more time. I get the chance to be on the court and play, and I'm thankful for a chance to see how far I can go," Milos Raonic said.