My progress has been amazing and fast: Milos Raonic

Rising tennis star from Canada Milos Raonic tells DNA that he hopes to have a fixed stature in top rankings

This year has been good for you. You rose from world No 152 to No 37 in just a month. Did you ever expect such a big leap in terms of rankings?
The progress has been amazing and fast. My tennis has improved so much and only keeps getting better. I know the more I play on tour, the better I will get and the more experience I will pick up. I hope to have a fixed stature in the top rankings and aggressively compete with top guys in big tournaments.

Why do you idolise Pete Sampras? You had an opportunity to meet him. Did you get any quick pointers from him?
Yes, he is my hero. I love his aggressive style of of play as well as his demeanour on the court. He had such a quiet confidence to him. His serve was also very inspirational.

You were forced to retire against Gilles Muller having suffered a leg injury in the second round of the Wimbledon. Considering the form you were in, how big a disappointment was it?
Yes, it was a low point — getting injured at Wimbledon and having to miss three months of competition.

You won your first ATP title at the 2011 SAP Open. You also became the first Canadian since Greg Rusedski in 1995 to collect an ATP World Tour title. What was the experience like?
This was the high point — winning my first title in San Jose at the SAP Open.

How are you going to prepare for the Aircell Chennai Open? Is eating steak a part of the preparation?
I am very optimistic and I’m looking forward to it. I hope I can make more of an impact on the tournament than last year and start the year on a strong note. I will do the same off- season training as last year. I will work hard for six weeks straight so I can be in great shape come tournament time.

Top players have expressed concerns over packed scheduling. What is your take on it?
I am new to the tour so I haven’t really felt it, and I missed a big chunk of the season this year. But I have heard a lot about it but I am not complaining so far.

What is your target for the upcoming season?
I would like to keep moving up the rankings. I don’t have anything set as far as a direct ranking is concerned. I want to keep improving and that’s the most important part. I know if I do my ranking will follow.

What has been the contribution of your coach Blanco in your meteoric rise?
He’s been a great help. Being a former player himself, he’s helped me deal with the pressures and moments very well because they are all new to me. It’s one of the reasons I have been able to progress so well this year.

How important is the booming serve in your tennis armory?
It’s my biggest weapon. I try to construct my game around it. It also helps on my returns because it put a lot of pressure on my opponents.