Raonic: 'I Don't Feel Like I'm That Far Off'

One of the biggest storylines of the National Bank Open Presented by Rogers is the return to Toronto of home favourite Milos Raonic. Fans idolise the former World No. 3, who has inspired the current generation of Canadians — including Felix Auger-Aliassime and Denis Shapovalov — and stars of the future.

So it was fitting that the 32-year-old began his Media Day on Sunday by sitting on the podium in front of a group of kids participating in the Rogers First Set programme, which is designed to introduce Canadian youth to the sport. Who better to put questions to than the player who raised the profile of men’s tennis in Canada more than anyone else of his generation?

After missing nearly two years due to injury, Raonic sat with a big smile on his face. He first returned in June in ’s-Hertogenbosch and also competed in Wimbledon. But now the eight-time ATP Tour titlist is back in action on home soil, where he has made his biggest impact. As journalists filed into the room for the press conference, one reporter asked Raonic if during his absence he feared what his identity might be beyond tennis.

“I think the biggest thing was will I end up finding something I enjoy as much and have the same kind of passion and obsession with as I do with tennis,” Raonic said. “Having a good year plus of no tennis whatsoever, because I didn't pick up a racquet for about 14, 15 months, I was able to calm those fears.

“And then I was able to kind of look at it and try to point out by when I could get ready to try to give it a bit more time and get ready to play at a higher level. And that's kind of a process and then came back about a month and a half ago, two months ago and been enjoying it.”

A leading star of the tournament, Raonic fulfilled several media requests, from his press conferences — one with the kids and the other with the journalists — to several television interviews and a chat with the tournament’s digital content team. But from following the Canadian throughout his media circuit, what became clear is that Raonic is most looking forward to actually competing, which he will do Monday evening against Frances Tiafoe.

“The competing is the most enjoyable part,” he said in one interview.

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Raonic has been working hard to position himself to make the most of his opportunity. The three-time Toronto quarter-finalist has been training since his arrival with some of the best players in the world. One of them, Daniil Medvedev, reflected on what he has seen from the Canadian.

“For sure when we know what he's capable of, let's say it was not yet his best level,” Medvedev said in his pre-tournament press conference. “But in terms of shots, he has it. It's just [his] rhythm, to get it back.”

Raonic admitted that he has struggled a bit with his serve, the weapon that helped him challenge some of the best players in history throughout his prime. But he feels he will be able to find his form with his trademark stroke moreso than other parts of his game, which is why he has challenged himself with the toughest practice partners.

“I think that was the thing that for two years that's kind of missing the most is getting used to that kind of speed, that kind of intensity and that kind of consistency throughout many hours on court,” Raonic explained of training with top players. “I think that was a focus for my coach, to organise those things, knowing that that's probably where I could make the most progress. I felt really good, I felt I was able to do my things well. I don't feel like I'm that far off from playing tennis that was reminiscent of two, three years ago, however long it may be now.

“But it doesn't mean those things just click and transfer to matches. I still have to continue working hard at those moments and hopefully those things do come together.”

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Currently No. 545 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings, Raonic is not stressing over reaching a certain round or getting caught up in the hoopla of his return to Toronto. He is happiest to have his family and close friends to watch him play at the ATP Masters 1000 event.

But on the other hand, he is enjoying space to himself, too. Raonic was not flanked by an army-sized team during his media day, just a member of Tennis Canada’s communications staff. A player who grew up locally, he is staying at a hotel instead of at home with his family and dogs because of the number of people in town to watch him play.

Only time will tell if Raonic can create magic on home soil over the course of the next week. If he does, the Canadian does not believe he will spend much time enjoying it, instead focussing on whomever his next opponent will be. No matter what happens at the National Bank Open Presented by Rogers, fans and Raonic’s peers will be watching.

“It's great to see him back. He's a very strong player,” Medvedev said. “I remember when I was maybe 16, 17, 18, just coming up, I loved to watch him play because he was the big guy who could trouble the big four. And that was always interesting when someone could do it.”