Ankle Injury Forces Raonic Out Of Japan Tie in Davis Cup

Written by: Bob Larson Tennis on 30th January 2014

Ankle Injury Forces Raonic Out Of Japan Tie in Davis Cup

epa04027966 Milos Raonic of Canada reacts against Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria in their third round match at the Australian Open Grand Slam tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, 18 January 2014. EPA/MADE NAGI |

Canada was dealt a major setback at the Davis Cup World Group first-round draw when top player Milos Raonic was ruled out for the weekend with a previously undisclosed ankle injury.

The ATP No. 11 was replaced by Peter Polansky, ranked 135, who brings an 8-4 record into the tie which begins on hardcourt at the Ariake Colosseum.

In addition, No. 2 Canadian Vasek Pospisil is still not fully recovered from the back injury which forced him to quit prior to his third-round Australian Open match and will be used only in doubles by captain Martin Laurendeau. In Friday opening singles, Polansky will begin against top Japanese Kei Nishikori while number 119 Frank Dancevic takes on Go Soeda. The provisional Saturday doubles line-up comprises Daniel Nestor and Pospisil for the visitors against Yuichi Sugita and Yasutaka Uchiyama.

“Unfortunately I am pulling out of Davis Cup this week. I came to Tokyo believing my ankle would recover but it is not at a level where I feel I can compete or help my team,” said Raonic. “This decision was very difficult to make but I believe in the players on our team and that they can get us the win. With a team scenario the most important part this week is to come out with a team win and I believe this is the best way to do it.”

Added Laurendeau: “Obviously it is very disappointing that our two top singles players are not at 100 per cent at the moment but that’s part of life as an athlete, That is why this a team event and this is why we prepare every single member of our team all week long to be ready to play.

“This situation is not new for Frank or Peter and both have come through in big Davis Cup matches in the past. Our team has a great deal of confidence in their abilities and they have worked hard this week and are ready for the opportunity to go out there and help us try and win.”

Topics: 10sballs, Atp, Australian Open, Daniel Nestor, Davis Cup, Kei Nishikori, milos raonic, Peter Polansky, Sports, Tennis, Tennis News, Vasek Pospisil