Milos Raonic To Begin His Season in North American Ahead of Australian Open 2021

As the world is preparing for 2020 to end, tennis players are getting ready for live tennis action. Preponed from its original date, the Delray Beach Open will inaugurate the 2021 season from 4 January. Former World No. 3 Canadian Milos Raonic is among the firsts to register for the ATP 250 tournament.

Runner up of the 2020 Cincinnati Masters, Raonic has been competing at major tournaments since 2010 US Open. Despite not having a Grand Slam in his career, the Canadian is one of the most successful players from his country. His appearance in the 2016 Wimbledon Championships recorded his highest run in a major tournament.

Despite many uncertainties revolving around the Australian Open, ATP released the calendar of the first quarter. Along with a few additional tournaments, it got confirmed that 2021 ATP Tour will start in Florida, United States.

Read More: ATP Cup, WTA 500 and More: First Quarter of 2021 Tennis Calendar Reportedly Revealed Amidst Australian Open Delay

Milos Raonic confirms Delray Beach Open participation

Played on hard courts surface outdoor, the Delray Beach Open is usually conducted in February. Next year, it will precede the opening Grand Slam due to its delay to 8 of February. The champion of 2020 Delray Beach Open American Reilly Opelka defeated the Canadian in the semifinals match.

Milos once ended runner-up in Florida against America’s Jack Sock in 2017. The Canadian took up an injury in that game and pulled a walk-over. In total, World No. 14 has eleven walk-overs in his career – the third-highest number equal and to German Boris Becker.

Read More: Milos Raonic Joins Boris Becker in an Embarrassing Record after ATP Vienna Open Withdrawal

After tiresome 2020, the Canadian will hope for a fresh start in the first week of 2021. An Italian journalist confirmed that Milos will play the opening tournament of 2021. In the last 5 years, only Moldovan tennis player Radu About has won the tournament other than an American player.

Raonic, Novak Djokovic to start the season before Australia

ATP 250 Delray Beach Open has set up a perfect opportunity for players to get in rhythm before Australia. The Canadian will look to get the desired kickstart from the start of 2021 itself. In addition to the Canadian, World No. 1 Novak Djokovic will play the ATP Cup before 2021 Australian Open.

Amid the pandemic, the challenges to organising a professional tournament are extensive and tiring. Despite all the odds, the first quarter of the 2021 ATP Tour looks promising.

Also Read: Novak Djokovic to Play ATP Cup Before Australian Open Title Defence