When Milos Raonic jumps onto the court to face Rafael Nadal in the evening at the BNP Paribas Open on Thursday, the eldest of the current Canadian tennis crop will find himself in a familiar position. For how long ? There is the question.
Raonic, from Thornhill, Ont., is attempting a return to competition after a two-year absence due to a significant injury. When he’s able to perform at his best, then he’s a threat to anyone — just like when he started on the ATP tour.
The challenge for him is to play on a regular basis. His last two defeats came after he withdrew due to various injuries, and he will enter the Indian Wells tournament — and his match against Nadal, who is himself hampered by health problems — having started trading again just a few days ago.
Raonic’s story is that of a tennis player who is determined to end his illustrious career knowing that he has always given his all to his sport. And, at 33, he is aware that he is in the twilight of his career.
Just like Raonic, other Canadian tennis players have been experiencing a slump lately. Félix Auger-Aliassime and Denis Shapovalov are struggling to meet the expectations placed on them since the beginnings of their respective careers. The two have regularly been the subject of harsh criticism since their successes have become more rare over the past year or two.
“I would say that, unlike me, the expectations were very high for Félix and Denis, because they shone in the junior ranks,” explained Raonic. They each won a junior Grand Slam title, and Félix earned an ATP point at a [tournoi de la série] Challenger from the age of 15. »
“They are 23 and 24 years old, and already young hopes are growing at their backs. Usually, you have a little more time — especially if you have their talent. From my point of view, they should just focus on what they are good at. And these are things you realize as you get older. It would be fair to say that they should do much better, based on the expectations placed on them. And sometimes I look at their results and think I’d be surprised too. »
Shapovalov, who will play a rare tournament after a six-month break due to a knee injury, is still trying to find his feet.
“Confidence is very important in this sport. So you have to hang on, and try to make better decisions in crucial moments,” said Shapovalov, who is now at 131e world ranking, but who, like Raonic, will be able to participate in the Californian tournament by virtue of his protected ranking. Shapovalov will face Dutchman Botic Van de Zandschulp in the first round on Thursday.
“People have a right to their opinion”
As for Auger-Aliassime, who is now 31e in the world and who will have a bye for the second round like the first 32 seeds of the tournament, he must remain positive even if he is well aware of the criticism against him.
“People are entitled to their opinion. But I don’t meet my own standards, he admitted. The problem with setting your standards this early in your career is that you can never underperform. It is therefore normal that there are criticisms. You could win a Grand Slam tournament. But if the following year you don’t win one, then you will be criticized. »
“We always have better advice for others than for ourselves. However, while people criticize, I try to find solutions,” Auger-Aliassime continued.
Shapovalov finds himself in the troubles experienced by the Quebecer.
“It was difficult, because Félix and I experienced much the same things,” he said. We had some health issues last year, and it’s hard to get back to where you want to be because people expect you to be at the top of your game every game. Tennis is about a few details though, especially these days, as there are a lot of talented young prospects and other players who want to dislodge us. »
Shapovalov said he and Auger-Aliassime are working hard and trying to be optimistic.
“I’m sure everything will be back to normal for us soon. I’m not too concerned about Félix, and I’m sure he says the same thing about me,” concluded the Ontarian.