Milos Raonic – Canada Fan Blog an (unofficial) blog about tennis and Canadian player Milos Raonic

Raonic loses to Dodig in Barcelona

Ivan Dodig (CRO) defeated Milos Raonic in the third round of the Barcelona Open today, 7-6(0)  4-6  6-3. Raonic did well to take the match to three sets after a disappointing performance in the first set tiebreak, but fell behind quickly in the third and was unable to make up the double break deficit.

Raonic was being troubled on his serve early, and had to save a break point in his second service game. But Milos was getting the job done. Dodig was having a comparatively easier time holding to start the match. Raonic was finally able to earn a break point with Dodig serving at 4-5, but failed to convert. The next game was a test for Milos, having to save two more break points to stay in the set. In the tiebreak, Dodig shut Raonic out completely and didn't lose a single point. Ouch. Obviously, the 7-0 tiebreak score was a little unexpected considering how close the games were and how Milos was winning points off his serve.

The match continued much like it did in the first set, with close games going in favour of the server. The first break of the match went to Milos after capitalizing on a single break chance with Dodig serving at 3-3. But Dodig quickly took a 0-40 lead in the next game and broke back to level the score. Now all of a sudden, no one can hold onto their serve. Raonic retook the lead with another break and earned the chance to serve for the set. It was a good time to hold, and he won the set 6-4.

Dodig broke Raonic twice to earn a 5-1 lead in the final set. Raonic would get one of those breaks back and Dodig had another chance to serve for the match at 5-3. Then there was a glimmer of hope: Raonic fought his way to 15-40 and had two break chances to get back on serve. But the comeback was not to be. Dodig saved both points and held to win the match.

It was a tough loss, especially after Milos forced the third set and looked to be making up ground towards the end. But Dodig was playing well, and was coming off a big upset over Robin Söderling in the previous round. Regardless, I would have liked to have watched this match live on TV or online, but it wasn't being streamed anywhere.

Up next for Raonic is the Estoril Open, an ATP 250 event in Portugal. He should be seeded high in the draw since there are few players entered who are ranked ahead of him. Of the Top 10 players, only Söderling, Del Potro and Verdasco are playing the tournament. It's a small event, but it's a good opportunity to make a deep run on a clay court.

-multi