Canadian player Milos Ranoic stunned former world number Roger Federer with a dominant performance in the final of the Brisbane International at Pat Rafter Arena on Sunday. The top-seeded Swiss ace, who was an overwhelming favourite to win the title, lost the match in straight sets, 4-6 and 4-6.
The Brisbane International title is Raonic's eighth career title, and if he maintains such an impressive performance in 2016, the Canadian can be richer by a few more crowns.
Federer's fans might consider this loss against Raonic as a blip, but his performance against the Canadian player was below par and the fourth-seed took full advantage of it, playing some aggressive tennis to create the first major upset of the season.
Tennis fans have witnessed Federer dominate players with his all-round game, including his service and ground strokes from the baseline, which are his strength, but on Sunday, he was at the receiving end of some high-quality ground strokes from Raonic, which shocked the Swiss master as well.
Federer's loss against Raonic comes as a huge surprise for tennis fans, who have been witnessing the Swiss dominate the Canadian in previous tournaments. Federer had an incredible win-loss (9-1) record against Raonic prior to the final, but with Raonic emerging triumphant in their 11th meeting, the fourth seed has defeated the Swiss for the second time in his career.
With such quality victory, Raonic should be confident of a good showing in the first Grand Slam of the year, Australian Open, which is set to start in a few days.
Raonic might have been troubled with injuries in 2015, but showed no signs of problems in the Brisbane International final. The Canadian will be eager for a great 2016, which has started with a bang. Apart from clinching the title, Raonic also finished runners-up in Abu Dhabi earlier in the month.
