Holger Rune 57/100 | Milos Raonic 27/20
Holger Rune needs to worry less about his coaching setup and more about his own performances. I honestly think he uses coaching shakeups as a way of blame-shifting.
He recently parted ways (again) with Mouratoglou and I really don’t know what his next option is. He appears to be driven by ego and unable to take advice from anyone. Be that as it may, Rune is undoubtedly one of the most exciting young talents of this new generation.
Sure, he hasn’t been at his greatest this season. But he has still managed to reach four semifinals (finishing runner-up to Dimitrov in Brisbane). He has also been on the precipice of some really strong Masters 1000 runs, reaching the quarterfinals at Indian Wells and Monte-Carlo.
He also led Alex Zverev by two sets to one in their French Open 4th round clash. But the temperamental Dane imploded in pretty typical fashion and he needs to start owning the big moments. He retired due to a knee injury in Hamburg and he chose not to compete in Paris due to a long-standing wrist issue.
Hometown favourite Milos Raonic has had ridiculous issues with injuries throughout his career, returning to action this season playing under a protected ranking.
But he has struggled to maintain his fitness this year, retiring from a number of tournaments. But there have been little glimpses of the Raonic that we know and love.
He reached the quarter-finals in Rotterdam and Rosmalen. He also created a bit of history in Queens, serving 47 aces against Cameron Norrie, breaking the record for the most aces in a three-set match. And that’s really the weapon that needs to work for Raonic to prosper.
He has one of the most dominant serves in the history of the game and it helps mitigate some of his longstanding physical issues. He also has some history in Montreal, finishing runner-up to Rafael Nadal all the way back in 2013.
The Verdict: Raonic to win in three 42/10
This will be the first career meeting between these two. I really think that Raonic could turn back the hands of time against the erratic Rune. His serve is an absolute weapon and it could overwhelm the Dane.
He will also enjoy rambunctious home support and that could get under Rune’s skin.