Australian Open 2018: Raonic suffers surprise loss in Melbourne

Dejan Kalinic

Australian Open 2018: Raonic suffers surprise loss in Melbourne image

Milos Raonic suffered a shock first-round loss at the Australian Open on Tuesday, marking his earliest exit in Melbourne.

The Canadian, a semi-finalist at the year's opening grand slam in 2016, was stunned by Lukas Lacko 6-7 (5-7) 7-5 6-4 7-6 (7-4).

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World number 23 Raonic underwent wrist surgery last year, but he has been a regular contender at Melbourne Park.

However, his loss to Lacko marked the first time he has suffered a first-round Australian Open loss.

It was also his earliest grand slam exit since the 2011 French Open.

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Raonic served 36 aces against Lacko, but he was unable to stop the Slovakian world number 86.

Lacko hit 65 winners on his way to closing out a victory in three hours, 23 minutes.

Dejan Kalinic