Raonic Rising: Milos Ousts Defending Champ Pouille In Stuttgart

Milos Raonic is on the rise again.

The Canadian defeated defending champion and No. 2 seed Lucas Pouille 6-4, 7-6(3) on Saturday in the MercedesCup semi-finals to advance to his first tour-level final since the 2017 TEB BNP Paribas Istanbul Open last May.

"It's a really positive step forward for me. I've played good tennis this week," Raonic said. "I'm very happy with myself and I hope I can continue to improve my level tomorrow."

Raonic will play top seed Roger Federer or talented Aussie Nick Kyrgios on Sunday in an attempt to lift his first trophy since the 2016 Brisbane International presented by Suncorp. From 2011-2016, the big-serving right-hander won at least one title per season, triumphing eight times.

The 27-year-old dropped to No. 40 in the ATP Rankings on 26 February, but bounced back with a semi-final showing at the BNP Paribas Open and a quarter-final appearance at the Miami Open presented by Itau in the first two ATP World Tour Masters 1000 events of the season.

Raonic, who saved the only break point he faced against the Frenchman, has now held in all 42 of his service games this week. He has not dropped a set in the first week of play on the mown lawns.

"I've done my job," Raonic said. "I've taken care of my serve and I've tried to create pressure on my opponents... I haven't faced many break points so far this week."

Raonic entered the match having won all five of his FedEx ATP Head2Head sets against Pouille by a margin of 6-4 or greater, with both of their previous matches coming in the first month of the 2016 season. Now, the Canadian leads their series 3-0.

Did You Know?
Milos Raonic has saved all three break points he has faced in Stuttgart, staving off Tomas Berdych's two opportunities in the quarter-finals and Lucas Pouille's sole chance on Saturday.