Raonic is gaining steam, focusing on his game instead of injuries

Milos Raonic is looking to build on an injury-free start to the season and keep making improvements in his game.

The 29-year-old Canadian reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Open, and returns to competition this week at New York. And for a change, he says he's fit and fresh.

"I think it’s the first time in six years that I finished competing at the Australian Open not having any injuries, where I can train and get ready for the next tournament,"Raonic said.

Having reached a Grand Slam final and won eight titles in his career, the huge-serving Raonic says he can achieve more still.

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"I think I can find a level above what I had before," he said. "I was happy with the way my game has been progressing and got better and better through the [Australian] Open. I didn’t play much tennis [during 2019], so I’m still finding my game, finding my way but I think it was a very positive starting point."

Raonic has experienced frequent physical problems and changed coaches several times. Having played less than a dozen events in 2019 because of back and knee issues, it's not surprising that his biggest priority is staying injury-free so he can get on court.

"Through injuries, the past three years have sort of been squandered. I have to work my way back up. I feel like my tennis is there but I have to stay healthy and give myself a chance to compete," he said.

Raonic is No.32 in the rankings.