Milos Raonic says it’s an honour to play under the Canadian flag at the London Olympics – Tennis News
Canadian number one tennis player, Milos Raonic, has that he is loving to represent Canada at the London Olympics and winning something for his country would be quite special.
The world number 25 is spearheading Canada’s team at the biggest sports extravaganza in the world. The 21-year-old is taking part in Olympics for the first time in his career.
Talking to reporters on reaching London, Raonic said, “It’s an honour to be here. To have a chance not only to play under my name, but the Canadian name. To do good things by that name would definitely be something special. We
don’t grow up with the anticipation of playing. But the last while I’ve been pretty excited about this opportunity.’’
Raonic’s family migrated from Podgorica, Montenegro to Canada when he was just three years old. He has the Canadian nationality now but lives in Monte Carlo, Monaco.
However, Raonic was supported a lot by Canada’s tennis association at the start of his career through wild cards in a number of events. He represents Canada with full patriotism, gets himself draped in the national flag whenever
he represents the North American country.
Raonic has been representing his country at the Davis Cup since 2010. He took Canada to the World Group, winning two of the three matches he played in 2011.
2011 was his breakthrough year, when he had jumped from 152nd to the 37th position in the ATP Rankings after a couple of remarkable performances. He advanced to the fourth round of the Australian Open and
then captured his maiden title at the SAP Open.
Raonic has remained in the top 35 players since then, giving numerous brilliant showings at the ATP World Tour. However, he has failed to claim victory against the ‘BIG 4’ i.e. Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Andy
Murray. The way he was rising, it was expected from him that he will grab a big title soon but he has failed to do so.
The Canadian added, “I’m just trying to neutralize that and make it just another match. I’m just trying to find a way to win. That’s the most important thing. That’s easier said than done. It’s tough in Grand Slams, too. But definitely
you’ve got to do it if you want to play your best.”
Raonic has more chances to win a medal in the doubles category, where he will partner the Sydney Olympics Doubles champion, Daniel Nestor.
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