2023-08-10 20:35:49
TORONTO – Canadian Milos Raonic was eliminated in the third round of the National Bank Open on Thursday.
Raonic lost in straight sets 6-3, 6-3 to American Mackenzie McDonald at Sobeys Stadium.
The Canadian, who returned to the ATP Tour in June following a nearly two-year absence due to injury, struggled once morest the No. 59 in the world.
Raonic’s serve was not the same as usual and he committed 32 unforced errors once morest only 12 for the American. The former world number three was the last Canadian still in contention for the singles title.
Raonic upset ninth-seeded American Frances Tiafoe in the first round before defeating Japanese Taro Daniel in the second round.
The 32-year-old Ontarian never seemed comfortable despite the encouragement from fans around center court.
McDonald broke Raonic on his first serve in each of the two sets and he was more consistent than his opponent. The American left Raonic on his heels, occasionally working with the serve and volley combination while relying on efficient shots and good ball placements.
Raonic forced three deuces in a game late in the second set, but McDonald won his serve and closed the books in 68 minutes.
Play was suspended on all grounds for more than an hour in the early followingnoon due to rain and lightning.
McDonald will take part in his first career quarter-final match at a Masters 1000 caliber tournament. He will cross swords with Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, who beat Norway’s Casper Ruud (no 3) 7-6 (4 ), 4-6, 7-6 (4).
In doubles, Canadian Vasek Pospisil teams up with Frenchman Nicolas Mahut to face the German duo of Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz (#6).
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