[18] Milos Raonic (CAN) vs. [94] Vasek Pospisil (CAN)
CANADIANS INJURY PLAGUED
On the main draw level, Raonic led their head-to-head, but it was a slim lead (2:1) and probably irrelevant. Besides, the last time they met, Pospisil won, so that was fresh in both players minds. Both players have had the unfortunate misfortune of struggling with injuries.
Pospisil, once ranked as high as twenty-five, fell out of the top two hundred and seemed destined to remain there. However, following back surgery, the Canadian is slowly but surely beginning to demonstrate once again the talent that saw him win the Wimbledon doubles title in 2014 and crack the top thirty.
RECENT RESULT NO BENEFIT
Raonic carried the mantle for Canada when Pospisil lost his way; however, he too, suffered from a bunch on injuries that have repeatedly derailed his career. Things seemed to be looking up though, only to be followed by yet another set-back as they often do of late for Raonic.
After his recent run to the final last month at the Western and Southern Masters 1000 event (held at this same location), many may have expected a better showing from him; however, those in the know, were probably not surprised he faltered. Tennis is not only physically demanding; it is also mentally taxing, and these current conditions do not make it any easier for the players.
RAONIC TOOK THE EARLY LEAD
If you were influence by the domination of Raonic in the first set tiebreak, you probably thought that the victory would go to him; however, the unpredictability of tennis is one of the reasons that I am fascinated with the sport. The ability for a player to fight his way back despite the odds or despite taking a beating in a set has always intrigued me.
There is almost no room to relax until the match is over because if you let your guard down, you may give your opponent the opportunity to believe that they can beat you.
POSPISIL BELIEVED HE COULD WIN
Belief is the key to achieving any goal and Pospisil believed. Raonic took his foot off the pedal and opened the door to his defeat. Unable to capitalize on the momentum of dominating the tiebreak, Raonic stumbled and Pospisil took advantage to secure the second set.
RAONIC FIGHTS BACK IN 3rd SET
Not willing to relinquish the match so easily to his countryman, Raonic forced another tiebreaker in the third set; yet there would be no repeat of the first set. This time, he was unable to dominate his opponent and that was perhaps the end of the match for him. He never recovered and Pospisil wrapped things up nicely 6-7(1), 6-3, 7-6(3), 6-3 to advance to the third round of the US Open.
VASEK POSPISIL Getty Images Europe (main image)
