In his first tournament since splitting with coach Goran Ivanisevic, Milos Raonic defeated Sam Querrey 7-6(1), 6-4 at the 2019 BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, Calif. on Saturday.
Paired with new coach Fabrice Santoro on a trial basis, the Canadian rattled off 14 aces and saved all four break points he faced in the first set. In the second set, he broke Querrey once and held serve to win in straight sets. For the match, Raonic only was able to capitalize on one of five break points, had a total of 18 aces and seven double faults.
SIGN UP with DAZN to watch WTA matches at the Indian Wells Open LIVE and ON DEMAND
Raonic and Querrey were familiar with each other entering the match; the two had met five times previously, with the 13th-seeded native of Thornhill, Ont., winning the last three meetings.
In addition to advancing, Raonic helped someone in the stands who appeared to have a medical issue.
Ill spectator in Stadium 3, just a few rows up from the court. Milos Raonic doesn’t hesitate, grabs towels and reaches over into stands to hand them over and check on the fan, who is now being taken out in a wheelchair. 👌 Classy. #BNPPO19
— Blair Henley (@BlairHenley) March 9, 2019
INDIAN WELLS MASTERS 2019: Felix Auger-Aliassime defeats world No. 10 Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets
Raonic, who is ranked 14th in the world, now faces Marcos Giron in the Round of 32 on Monday. The American upset Alex de Minaur, the 23rd seed, in three sets on Saturday.