“It Turned My Way”: Milos Raonic Saves 2 Match Points to Earn Semifinals Spot at Rolex Paris Masters 2020

Milos Raonic extended his sensational run in 2020 by booking a place in the semi-finals of the Rolex Paris Masters 2020. He was put to a massive test by World No.34 Ugo Humbert in the quarterfinals. However, the Canadian survived nervy match-points to seal an impressive comeback victory! 

Raonic came into the match as the player under more pressure. Though he carried more experience, Hubert’s recent run of form was scary. The home favorite had just beat a grand slam champion in Marin Cilic in the previous round. 

“It was looking a little dark for me at the beginning, triple break point at the beginning [of the third set],” Raonic said. “But then I created some opportunities. It kept me around.”

Raonic always had the upper hand in the match due to his lethal serves. It proved to be a defining factor as he notched up 25 massive aces en route to his quarterfinal victory. 

Both athletes were consistent with their first serve, which enabled them to ward off break-points largely. Humbert has caused quite a few upsets this year, but he was unable to hold on to his rhythm against Raonic. 

WATCH: Milos Raonic incredibly saves match point in a 30-shot rally at Rolex Paris Masters 2020

Raonic showcased that experience matters right when Humbert raised two match points in the final set tie-break. When he trailed 4-6 in the tie-break, Raonic’s determination elevated his game and made him save a match point with a blistering 30-shot rally! 

The 6’5” Canadian is one of the most successful players to emerge from his country, and he once again proved why. To be able to save two match points in a tie-breaker and then revive your game and post-victory is a commending feat. That’s exactly what Raonic did against Humbert. 

“Today it turned my way, but I’ve just got to keep plugging away. Doesn’t necessarily mean it always will, but at least give it a chance for it to turn around,” Raonic said about his comeback win. 

However, 22-year-old Humbert played a valiant match and fought till the last point till he faced defeat. The Frenchman has enjoyed a sparkling year with two titles, and Milos Raonic is aware of his promising talent. 

“The past few weeks he’s played well. I think he just needs the consistency,” Raonic said of Humbert. “He’s not an easy guy to play, by any means. I think with maturity, and he’s playing the right way, I think he can continue to move up much more.”

The match went on equal footing until Raonic found a moment of brilliance from down under. The closely matched stats portray how good of a challenger Ugo Humbert was.

With this win, Milos Raonic moves on to the semi-finals in Paris, where he will face Daniil Medvedev. Raonic has one finals appearance at the Rolex Paris Masters which came all the way back in 2014. Can he defeat the soon to be crowned World No.4 to book his place in the final?