Milos Raonic gets a wild card for Sony Ericsson Open 2011 – Tennis news
World number 34 Milos Raonic of Canada received a wild card entry to the main draw of the men’s singles event at the Sony Ericsson Open 2011 in Miami.
The Canadian is having a great 2011 season as he started the year ranked 156th in the South African Airways ATP Rankings and has jumped 122 places to become the world number 34 this week. Although he is ranked in top 35 right now, he needed a
wild card to enter the Sony Ericsson Open as rankings are locked two months before the starting date of a tournament. Raonic was ranked out of top 100 when the rankings for this event were locked.
The 20-year-old has a 16-4 win/loss record in the ongoing season. He started the season at the Aircel Chennai Open, where he failed to qualify for the main draw as he lost to Edouard Roger-Vasselin of France in three sets 6-7, 6-3, 6-7 in the third round
of the qualifying draw.
Raonic succeeded in qualifying for the main draw of his first grand slam as he defeated Andrej Martin of Slovakia 4-6, 7-6, 6-2 in the final round of the qualifying draw at the Australian Open 2011.
The Canadian surprised everyone as he went on to reach the fourth round where he lost to David Ferrer of Spain in a tough contest 6-4, 2-6, 3-6, 4-6. On his way to the fourth round, Raonic upset Michael Llodra of France in the second round and Mikhail Youzhny
of Russia in the third round.
The Canadian won the first title of his career at the SAP Open, where he upset Fernando Verdasco of Spain 7-6, 7-6 in the final. On his way to the final, Raonic defeated Xavier Malisse, James Blake and Richard Berankis. He received a walkover against Gael
Monfils in the semi-finals.
After winning his maiden title, Raonic said, “I can't stop smiling. I hope I can keep this going. At this level, to go through a whole week without losing a match is great. I have some things I want to work on but I'm happy with my week and I'll always remember
this. This is what I've always dreamed of.”
Continuing on his dream run, the Canadian reached the final of the Regions Morgan Keegan Championship the following week as he upset Mardy Fish of US in the semi-finals. However, he could not win his second successive title, losing to American Andy Roddick
in three thrilling sets in the final.
After his loss to Roddick, the right-handed said, “It's tough when you're in a final against a Top 10 player. I was just fighting and I hoped it would turn around. It was nice he had to come up with something that amazing to win.”
The Canadian lost to Ryan Harrison of US in the third round of the BNP Paribas Open recently.
With his current form, Raonic is expected to perform well at the Sony Ericsson Open. The Canadian will not play a seeded player before third round as he is seeded 31st at the championship.
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