Rafael Nadal Destroys Canadian Tennis Ace Milos Raonic In Montreal Masters Final!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0L9ocfwXRg

I knew Canadian tennis star Milos Raonic didn’t have a chance to beat Rafael Nadal today but I thought he could have made it close. However, immediately Raonic was serving at 1-1 and Nadal breaks his serve and the match is over. Nadal destroyed Raonic 6-2 6-2 in a little bit over an hour. First, congratulations to Milos Raonic for becoming the first Canadian man to reach the top 10. On Monday, Raonic will be ranked tenth in the world and that’s an awesome achievement for a young player. However, Nadal illustrated today that there is a huge gap between the elite players in the top five and the rest of the top 10 or top 2o players. Raonic is in the second tier group, his game is good enough to beat most of the men on the ATP Tour but not good enough against Nadal.

The reason Nadal has dominated Raonic 4-0 in their head to head meetings is due to a few things. Raonic is slow, yes he is six foot five but his movement is awkward his footwork is terrible!

Tomas Berdych the sixth ranked player in the world is the same height as Raonic but his movement is superior. Nadal simply redirects the ball, he pushes Milos Raonic around the court. Unfortunately, for Raonic his lack of mobility is exploited by Nadal. I suggest Raonic hire a sprint coach, I am not suggesting Raonic is going to become a track and field star like Usain Bolt.

However, I feel that in order for Raonic to challenge the top five players he must improve his movement. If Raonic can improve his fitness, meaning getting physically stronger he will have more confidence on the court. Raonic is slim but he’s going to have to work even harder in the gym if he seriously wants to challenge the top four players. Right now, Raonic is not fast enough and his groundstrokes are not consistent enough. Raonic made too many silly errors today against Nadal.

Second, Raonic’s backhand is weak he runs around his poor backhand to hit forehands. Raonic needs to improve his backhand and turn it from a weakness into a weapon. The problem is Nadal is so much quicker than Raonic he exploits Raonic’s backhand and forces him into errors. Finally, I think Raonic needs to realize having a big serve is not enough to beat the top players. Raonic needs to dedicate himself to adding more variety into his game he is sadly very one dimensional. I don’t want Milos Raonic to end up like Andy Roddick he didn’t have variety in his game and he became Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer’s punching bag. The good news is Raonic is young he’s only twenty two. However, in the fall when Raonic has time, I sincerely hope that he really dedicates himself to improving his movement. If Milos Raonic can improve his movement, maybe he has a chance against the top four players.

Rafael Nadal Destroys Milos Raonic 6-4 6-0 In Semifinals Of Barcelona Open.

Wow, Rafael Nadal exposed some areas of Canadian tennis star Milos Raonic game. First, Milos started well holding serve and breaking Nadal’s serve. However, the problem in this match is Milos began to panic as Nadal read his serve. Milos is used to serving many aces in a match. Since Nadal is one of the elite players he has an excellent return of serve and Milos wasn’t able to hold serve. Milos tried different tactics such as coming to net the problem was his volleys weren’t crisp or sharp enough. By volleying the ball into the open space Nadal simply chased the ball down and passed Raonic.

Another area where Milos Raonic needs to improve is his backhand. Nadal was relentless he pounded Raonic backhand and he exposed his weaker side. Since Raonic is six foot five, he’s never going to be the fastest player on the ATP Tour. Raonic has improved his movement but he needs to improve it even more to compete with the very best. Raonic also needs to improve the backhand he kept on running around the forehand but he left himself vulnerable for Nadal to attack the open space.

Finally, I think Raonic had a positive week despite losing so easily to Nadal this is a learning experience for him. He defended his semifinal points from last year in Barcelona and he’s ranked number thirteen in the world. Raonic is getting better on clay he had a big win over Tommy Robredo in the quarterfinals a former French Open quarterfinalist.

Raonic and his coach Galo Blanco should be watching the tape of this match over and over. If Raonic wants to get into the top 10 and be a fixture among the best in men’s tennis he needs to improve his backhand and movement.

Novak Djokovic Snaps Rafael Nadal Eight Year Winning Streak Wins Monte Carlo Masters Title!!!

It is still over a month away from the French Open starting but Novak Djokovic’s stunning upset of Rafael Nadal 6-2 7-6 in the Monte Carlo final is a breakthrough. This is the first time in over eight years Nadal has not won the Monte Carlo Masters title.

Nadal is the only man on the ATP Tour to win a title eight times in a row he’s dominated Monte Carlo since 2005.

Djokovic played fearless tennis, he attacked Nadal’s backhand approached the net when necessary and he kept Nadal off balance.

Novak also took the ball early on the rise forcing Nadal to react by taking the ball early. Nadal’s strategy against Novak wasn’t smart he kept on hitting the ball to his two handed backhand but that’s Djokovic’s strength.

Against Roger Federer, Nadal’s high looping top spin forehand bounces too high for Federer to generate pace off the backhand side. However, since Djokvovic is six foot two and he has a two handed backhand, Nadal’s topspin forehand doesn’t bother him.

Nadal is still the king of clay though, he’s won the French Open seven out of the last eight years.

Novak Djokovic is off to a good start in the clay court season but the real test is at the French Open at the end of May.

Nadal’s dominance on the clay courts is incredible so although the Monte Carlo masters is not a grand slam anytime a player beats Nadal on clay that’s a cause for celebration.

However, this is Nadal’s second clay court defeat in 2013, he also lost the final of a minor event in February in Chile to a journeyman.

Cute Pic: Tennis Stars Rafael Nadal & Juan Monaco On A Vacation Together In Majorca Spain!!!

 

(Facebook)

You never know how much your co-workers care about you until you’re gone. Rafael Nadal hasn’t seen much of his ATP brethren since taking time off the ATP Tour to rehabilitate his ailing knees, but he finally got a visitor this week, in the form of his good buddy Juan Monaco. The No. 10 ranked Argentine lost in the second round of Shanghai and quickly boarded a plane to Mallorca, Spain to pay a visit to Nadal.

What have the two been doing? Well according to theirFacebook and Twitter pages, it looks like Monaco has been tagging along on Rafa’s workouts, swimming, stretching and throwing in the occasional round of golf. Sounds like a pretty great vacation to me.

In fact, the rest may be what Monaco needs as he tries to make a late season push to qualify, either directly or as an alternate, for the ATP World Tour Finals in London. Monaco is 955 points out of the No. 8 spot in the Race rankings, butNadal’s participation in London is unlikely. That means the No. 9 player in the Race to London should qualify directly, and the Nos. 10 and 11 spots open for alternates.

Monaco currently sits at No. 12 in the Race and less than 500 points behind Janko Tipsarevic, the man currently holding the No. 9 spot. Deep runs at both next week’s Valencia Open and the Paris Masters, and Rafa’s best buddy should be able to buy his Eurostar ticket to London.

ATP Tour Interview With Top Twenty Rising Canadian Star Milos Raonic!!!

ROGERS CUP 2012

Toronto, Canada

by Nima Naderi

|07.08.2012

Canada’s Milos Raonic is making his third main draw appearance at the Rogers Cup.

Canadian Milos Raonic has been blazing up the South African Airways ATP Rankings with three titles in the past two years, and has quickly become the talk of the tennis world wherever he goes. Receiving well-deserved hype for being the next big-time player to challenge the likes ofNovak Djokovic, Rafael Nadaland Roger Federer, many observers believe that he is one breakthrough away from a Grand Slam title.

Raonic took some time out to discuss what he likes to do when he’s home in Toronto and what the Canadian system needs to do in order to produce more world class players.

You grew up in Thornhill. What do you like best about that neighbourhood?

I like the area in general. It allowed my family to feel comfortable whenever I was out and about. I also like the varieties of food, from all you can eat sushi, to Korean barbecue, to shawarma — you have everything you want and it’s very good quality. You are close to downtown Toronto, but also far away enough from it so that you don’t get caught up in the wrong things.

As a kid/teenager, did you venture much to downtown Toronto? What were some of your favourite places?

I went downtown mostly for tennis when I was younger, to play at the Toronto Lawn Tennis Club or the Cricket Club, but when I did go for other things it was mostly for my friends or to go to the Eaton Centre. Now I go more to enjoy a night out.

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How often do you make it back to Toronto during the year? What do you like to do when you’re back?

I make it back a few times a year, but never for more than two weeks. I just like to relax and forget about tennis for a little when I’m outside theRogers Cup. I try to do different things every time to learn more about the city. I tend to go down to the Lakeshore a bit to walk, and to the west side of the city for good food.

Where in Toronto did you learn to play tennis?

I started at the Blackmore Tennis Club in Richmond Hill. I spent many years there. I also attended many different clubs — I trained for a few years at the Cricket Club. Now when I come home I normally go to the Toronto Lawn Tennis Club and the Rexall Centre.

Do you think Toronto is well-equipped to breed tennis players?

Yes. I think the weather is not the best for tennis but there are definitely the facilities. I think the only problem can be the fees for both court times and memberships. But I hope the clubs lower this for kids they see have potential and try to support them like the clubs I attended did for me and my family.

What advice would you give to Toronto kids aspiring to play on the ATP World Tour? At what point should a junior think about getting instruction elsewhere?

Hard work always pays off. In tennis as in all sports there are always up and downs, but stick to it. Surround yourself with people you trust and believe in the work you do — that will get you far. The rest takes a bit of good fortune and luck. I ventured out of Canada for the competition and because I wanted to surround myself with people I knew could make the best of my abilities.

Where does the Rogers Cup rank in terms of your favourite tournaments? Do you feel the home court gives you an advantage over other players?

I think it’s one of my favourites. I think the only tournament that trumps it for me is Wimbledon and only because of its prestige, and the fact that it’s a grand slam and the ultimate dream for me.

What are your three favourite Toronto restaurants?

I like All Star, for its amazing selection of wings. I make sure to go there at least once when I am home. I like a lot of different all-you-can-eat sushi places. I can’t name one because I think they all differ a bit — some have better sashimi and some have better rolls, so I try to change spots often. I also enjoy Lee. I’ve been there once before and was impressed.

What’s something you’ve experienced in other cities you’d like to see in Toronto?

Better weather. Also, internationally, you see a lot of success in many different sports and I think Toronto and Canada should become more passionate about sports other than just hockey. We have great athletes and talents.

What do other ATP tour players like about coming to Toronto? What don’t they like about the city?

They like a lot of things. Sometimes they feel Toronto is so big and it’s easy to get lost in the city, or they wish there was more culture and history like in European cities. They think Toronto girls are beautiful.

RAPID FIRE QUESTIONS

Hard courts, clay or grass? Hard court

Toughest opponent? David Ferrer

Favourite post-match meal? Sushi. Or, if I play the next day, then steak

Federer or Sampras? Sampras

Best tennis court in Toronto? Centre court at the Rexall Centre

Favourite Toronto landmark? ACC because I love to attend other sporting events. But the most meaningful is the CN tower…

Bikes, cars or subways? Cars

Dogs or cats? Dogs

Hockey or soccer? Basketball

Milos Raonic Loses In Second Round Of Wimbledon Is He The Real Deal Or Just Canadian Media Hype?

 

I am not surprised that Milos Raonic lost to Sam Querrey in the second round of Wimbledon because I knew it was going to be a tough match. Querrey defeated Raonic 6-7 7-6 7-6 6-4. On paper, Raonic was the favourite because he’s ranked number 21 and Queerey is ranked 64th. However, Querrey is a former top twenty player and he’s coming back from an elbow injury.

This is a terrible result because Rafael Nadal lost yesterday and the door was open for Raonic to do some damage at Wimbledon. Raonic was supposed to reach the fourth round at least and he already has beaten Andy Murray. Since Raonic is the twenty first seed losing in the second round just proves he has a long way to go before he can be considered a contender at a grand slam. Raonic has won three small events in his career but he hasn’t demonstrated that he is ready to take the next big step.

The question has to be asked is Milos Raonic just Canadian media hype? Are Canadians expecting too much from Raonic? In Canada, we have never had a male tennis player ranked in the top twenty five. I understand the excitement of having a talented young Canadian male player competing for Canada.  However,  Raonic isn’t even ranked in the ATP top twenty he’s currently ranked number twenty one. Raonic hasn’t beaten the big three Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, or Roger Federer. Raonic lost to Federer three times this year in in three set matches. Raonic is close but he still needs a lot of improvement in his game before the Canadian press should call this young man a contender.

How can Raonic be a contender to win Wimbledon when the kid isn’t even ranked in the top ten? I believe Raonic is too nice, too soft, too Canadian. After Raonic lost to Querrey he’s smiling and having a conversation with him. Why is Raonic smiling he just lost the match no need to smile. Where is the bitterness and the anger? Where is the rage? Raonic should be furious at himself for not coming through with the victory.

Milos is an attractive, intelligent young man and he’s very thoughtful  but I am not sure if he has the killer instinct? Raonic seems to want to be liked by his peers on the ATP Tour the question is why?  The professional tennis tour is competitive, but I am not sure if Raonic has that intense desire to become a champion? I am not saying Raonic needs to be rude but I think he needs to distance himself from the other players emotionally.

Raonic has never reached the quarterfinals of a grand slam event and he hasn’t won a Masters series title. The Canadian media are obsessed with Raonic’s big serve which is a weapon. Raonic also has a powerful forehand and he volleys very well.

However, a closer inspection of Raonic’s game reveals some weaknesses. First, Raonic’s backhand is a weakness and the other men on the ATP Tour have figured it out. Raonic has an excellent slice backhand but his two handed backhand he makes a lot of errors off of it. Raonic tends to hit his two handed backhand into the net a lot.  Second, Raonic also has a poor break point conversion rate he doesn’t break serve enough. Raonic can hold his serve which is very important but he has difficulty breaking his opponent’s serve.

A lot of Raonic’s matches have 7-6 scores because he’s not breaking serve enough and hoping to win the set in a tiebreaker. In order for Raonic to reach the top ten he needs to break his opponent’s serve. Raonic’s coach Galo Blanco need to help Raonic realize he’s got to improve his return game if he wants to become a champion.

Raonic only broke Querrey’s serve once despite having five opportunities to break his serve.

Third, Raonic’s movement isn’t the best he moves okay for a six foot five man but he isn’t quick. Raonic needs to improve his movement on the court.

Fourth, I think the Canadian media is to blame because the expectations are simply too high for Raonic. He is only twenty one years of age he needs more time to mature mentally and physically into his body.  Finally, I think Raonic needs to improve his fitness he’s skinny but  he needs some definition on his body he seems rather fragile. Raonic doesn’t have the ripped abs and muscles like Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.  Also, if Raonic was more physically fit he wouldn’t get tired in his tennis matches.

Breaking News: Tennis Star David Nalbandian Disqualified For Hurting Linesman During Queens Final In London!!!

David Nalbandian of Argentina was disqualified in the finals of the Queens grass court event in London for injuring a linesman. Nalbandian was leading Marin Cilic  7-6 3-4 but he got upset and kicked a sign. The linesman leg was bleeding and immediately he was disqualified from the event.

I am sure David is embarrassed and he should be for this shameful behaviour!  Why couldn’t Nalbandian keep his emotions in check? He was so close to winning the title anyway? David basically wasted an entire week of playing good tennis!

According to ATP rules, Nalbandian will not get any ranking points and I don’t think he will get prize money either. I think the International Tennis Federation or the ATP Tour might suspend David from Wimbledon? The players have to learn this kind of behaviour is unprofessional and disgraceful!