A proud Milos Raonic is determined to make his mark in London, declaring "I’m a much better player," upon his return to the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals.
The 25-year-old sparked his season to life by clinching the Brisbane International Presented By Suncorp, defeating Roger Federer in the final, before establishing himself in the upper echelons of the game by reaching the finals of the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 event in Indian Wells, The Queen’s Club and Wimbledon.
The Canadian first qualified for the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in 2014 but is eager to progress past the group stages in east London this time round.
“Yeah it’s really different conditions this time. I had great parts throughout this season, things I’m really proud of, but I’ve also had many difficult moments,” said the World No. 4. “Sometimes I’ve managed to find good form, managed to play well, and then other times I’ve struggled with injuries.
“This year I’ve really earned my spot to be here. Whereas two years ago it came down to one last match."
At the 2014 BNP Paribas Masters Raonic booked his ticket to The O2 arena by achieving the required semi-final spot in Paris with a straight sets triumph over Federer.
"But I also benefited from Nadal not playing that year,” added Raonic. “There was a player (Marin Cilic) who won a Grand Slam who qualified but was ranked behind me, so it was give and take in those conditions.
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“I’m excited to be here, I’m a lot more positive and I have a better understanding of my game compared to 2014. I’m a much better player and that is exciting for me.”
Gael Monfils represents Raonic's first opponent in London and the Frenchman leads their head-to-head record 3-2 having prevailed in their last meeting back at the Rogers Cup in July.
Assessing the field at the season finale, Raonic praised the newly crowned World No. 1 Andy Murray for his rise to the top.
“It’s been fantastic some of the things he’s done especially since the US swing in March. He’s been a lot more consistent and solid which I think has been the main difference,” stated the towering Canadian. “It’s given him the ability to win crucial matches early, go through tournaments efficiently without losing too much energy and being able to win on a constant basis after many tournaments in a row.”
Raonic also believes that the Scot can enjoy a sustained period at the top of the rankings.
“I believe so, other than what he has to defend in Melbourne next January (Final at the 2016 Australian Open), he doesn’t have that much to lose as far as the rankings go in the first few months.”
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