Milos Raonic (Photo : Getty Images)
Milos Raonic is more than ready to win a Grand Slam champion, and at the 2017 Australian Open championship this January, ESPN Tennis writer Peter Bodo believes the Canadian will be hoisting the trophy this time around.
In another bold prediction by Bodo ahead of the first major of the season, he sees the 25-year old Raonic to become just the second player not named Novak Djokovic in seven years to win the Australian Open.
"Nobody is quite as ready for a Grand Slam breakthrough as this 25-year old Canadian. Now No. 3 in the rankings, Raonic won just one event in 2016 (Brisbane, an ATP 250 tuneup for the Australian Open). But he was a Wimbledon finalist and routinely lifts his game at the majors. Raonic gave Andy Murray all he could handle before bowing in five sets in the 2016 Australian Open semis."
Bodo thinks Raonic isn't the type of player who's going to fizzle under pressure. While there are long list of really good player who just can't get over that hump, the reason why Raonic is still without a Grand slam isn't because he's not capable of pulling off such feat, but rather untimely injuries.
"Unlike some of the other players on the "best to never win a Slam" list, Raonic isn't an older habitual also-ran, like a Tomas Berdych or Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, nor subject to shrinking away from big opportunities, like a Kei Nishikori. Raonic has had bad luck with injuries and tough draws, and he's lost some very close key matches against the top players. After losing the Wimbledon final to Murray he said, "This one's going to sting." He is primed."
Of course, world's no.1 Andy Murray and defending Novak Djokovic are the clear-cut favorites for the upcoming tournament. Then, there's a long list of contenders such as returning Juan Martin Del Potro, Stanislas Wawrinka and the legendary duo of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
But yes, Raonic is up there and he's on the brink of pulling off something special next year.
