Tiafoe & Milos Raonic just ended a crazy first set in an even crazier way. “This end of the net doesn’t count as a touch” Frances touched the net, but it was after the post for singles. So it’s legal. I think everyone just learned a new rule today.
Spectacular Showdown: Raonic's heroic win against Tiafoe in Canadian Open
ATPTuesday, 08 August 2023 at 08:57
Milos
Raonic secured an incredible victory over world No. 10 Frances Tiafoe,
advancing to the second round of the National Bank Canadian Open in Toronto
There was
great anticipation for Raonic's return to the Masters 1000, where he is a local
favorite. The former world No. 3 is an idol of Canadian tennis, and after two
years away from the forefront of the global tennis scene due to injury
setbacks, Raonic is gradually striving to compete at his best level once again.
Tiafoe
didn't come with the best confidence after falling in the quarterfinals of the
Washington Open, a tournament where he was playing on home soil and entered as
the second seed. Despite two solid victories over Aslan Karatsev and Shang
Juncheng, Dan Evans stood in his way, ultimately claiming the title.
The first
set started in the worst possible way for the Canadian, losing his serve
quickly and giving an advantage to his opponent. Tiafoe led 5-3 at one point
but couldn't seal the set, losing his service to love in the tenth game,
leading to a dramatic tie-break.
A
controversial end to the set unfolded on the central court in Toronto. The
tie-break extended to 12-12 without either player conceding a service point
until Raonic was the first to make an error.
Tiafoe had
a set point with his serve, and during the exchange, a forehand from Raonic
fell very close to the net. With a tremendous effort, Tiafoe reached the ball
and managed to hit it over the net but touched the net.
The umpire
awarded the point to the American player, ruling that he touched the net in the
doubles court area, which wouldn't result in a fault. This situation sparked a
heated debate, and the supervisor was called to resolve the call. However, the
umpire upheld the decision, and 'Big-Foe' claimed the set.
In the
second set, both players continued to dominate their serves, and without any
break points played, they pushed the set to another tie-break. This time, both
players dropped service points, and Raonic gained an advantage to level the
match.
In an epic
third set, the former world No. 3 fought valiantly, reminiscent of his prime
moments. Despite facing six break points throughout the set, he didn't concede
to any of them. Raonic gained an early lead in the set, going up 3-0, and
maintained that advantage until the end of the match, securing his first
victory at the Canadian Open since 2019.
In the
second round, he will face Japanese player Taro Daniel, who advanced from the
qualifying rounds and surprised the Frenchman Adrian Mannarino in the first
round.
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