Big-serving Milos Raonic eyes grand-slam success after upsetting Federer
In claiming Brisbane International title, Canadian says he can now step up and challenge for the ones that really count
Canadian Milos Raonic says he is confident of grand slam success this year after stunning Roger Federer to win the Brisbane International on Sunday.
Raonic, 25, broke the 17-time grand slam champion once in each set to take the final 6-4, 6-4, only his second win over Federer in 11 meetings.
I definitely feel I have it within myself to step up and play great tennis for two weeks [at the Australian Open]
Federer had been improving every round after starting the tournament with a slight illness but was no match for Raonic, who served powerfully and came to the net at every opportunity.
The win gave Raonic his eighth title on the ATP tour and reversed the result of last year’s final, won by 34-year-old Federer in three tight sets.
The Canadian said later the win showed that he could challenge for a grand slam title after enduring a tough year in 2015 due to injury.
“[There are] sort of two steps,” he said, “being able to step up and play great for two weeks, which I believe I can definitely do”.
