Milos Raonic's powerful service game continues to cause difficulty for his opponents.
Raonic held serve on ten different occasions as he pushed into the second round at the Rogers Cup, defeating No. 10 David Goffin in straight sets, 6-3 6-4. The Canadian totaled 13 aces to Goffin's two in the upset victory.
"I'm very fortunate to find a way to win today," Raonic told Sportsnet following the win.
It's always better in your own backyard... 🇨🇦 @milosraonic in tip-top form taking out 10th seed Goffin 6-3 6-4. #RogersCup pic.twitter.com/fje4WpnlhT
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) August 7, 2018
Raonic failed to relinquish a point to Goffin each time he held serve through the first three games. The 27-year-old took advantage in the first set as Goffin, who was serving, squandered a 40-15 lead. Raonic fought back to win the all-important game to take the two-game lead.
The missed opportunity for Goffin was the break Raonic needed en route to the opening set win.
"It was a tough situation," Raonic said. "I'm glad I got through that."
Both players exchanged similar results through the ensuing set. If Raonic were to wrap the match up in two sets, he needed to find another break when Goffin was holding serve. In the third game of the service, Raonic, who totaled 10 aces in the set, battled to a break point situation.
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Raonic gained the advantage in the game and shortly stole the game to lead 2-1 on his serve. He dominated the sequence in order to regain a two-game lead. He won each of his 27 points via his dominant first serve.
Now, Raonic must play the waiting game. He will face the winner between Frances Tiafoe and Marco Cecchinato, who are set to play each other on Tuesday afternoon. Raonic defeated Cecchinato in straight sets at the Monte Carlo Masters in April.