Raonic beats Federer in Brisbane final

Milos Raonic exacted revenge on Roger Federer by beating the Swiss in straight sets to win the Brisbane International.

But Federer was unable to take advantage and games remained on serve until the seventh game, when Federer let a 30-0 lead slip to give Raomic a break point, then netted a backhand to give the Canadian the vital break.

World No. 2 Roger Federer will go into the final with every intention to win after the Swiss legend was successful in claiming his first title at Brisbane past year which made for his 1000th career win.

The defending champion said in an interview as quoted by the official website of men’s professional tennis that his quick-fire semifinals match with the Austrian was the best match he had in this year’s edition of the tournament.

Raonic, a quarter-finalist at the Australian Open past year, spent time off court at 2-1 in the second set to seek treatment on his right leg, but he was able to hold serve upon his return despite four double-faults in the one game. “For myself it signifies within the team how concrete and good the work we’re doing is.”, Raonic said. After two seasons interrupted by injuries, she’s regaining form while numerous leading women are dealing with injuries in the run-up to the Australian Open which starts in 10 days.

“(But) considering the week I’ve had, I’m actually quite happy.

Long tipped to rock the tennis establishment, Raonic showed a bullet-proof poise in response to his opponent’s frustration and broke Federer’s serve in the ninth game of the opening set.

“Hopefully, a better year this year than last”, said Raonic, who reached the quarterfinals at the last Australian Open but didn’t progress past the third round at Wimbledon or the U.S. Open after skipping the French Open with injury. I saw he played great, which, number one, he’s got to make sure that the game is there, and, number two, obviously his attitude has got to follow.

Coric is a good young player but I think the extra match and sets he has played this tournament will leave him vulnerable to Wawrinka’s power.

“I really thought I hit the ball very well”, said Federer.

Tomorrow’s final will be a rematch of 2015 after the huge-serving Raonic edged local hero Bernard Tomic in two close sets.

This one has started very positively, with new coaching input from former Spanish star Carlos Moya, and a greater feeling of comfort at the net. That’s the thing I was most proud of.

Raonic, also back in action for the first time this season, defeated Croatia’s Ivan Dodig 6-7 (2), 6-1, 6-4 and will next meet Lucas Pouille, who upset sixth-seeded David Goffin 7-6 (5), 4-6, 6-3.