Music: {allcanada} Raonic pumped up for 2012 Rogers Cup

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

{allcanada} Raonic pumped up for 2012 Rogers Cup

Milos Raonic has a lot on his plate in the upcoming month but isn't holding back his enthusiasm to play in the Rogers Cup in Toronto.

Raonic, who currently ranks 22nd in the ATP Rankings, is pumped up that he is able to take part in the event from Aug 4-12 at the Rexall Centre after he finishes up at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

"It's exciting," Raonic explained on a conference call Wednesday. "At the same time, it's a big opportunity that I really look forward to… Really special event."

"People see how good this tournament is in Toronto and they want to be a part of it."

The Thornhill, Ont., native feels extremely comfortable when playing at the Rexall Centre and values that he's able to participate in his hometown tournament.

"Yeah I feel I've spent so many years, not only going to watch the tourney at Rexall but training there," he said. "When I am home, I do spend a lot of time training there -- lot of familiarity.

"Easy tournament because I know everything. If I'm hungry, I know where to eat. Don't have to ask anybody where to eat and that kind of stuff. Whole sense of being here in Toronto and being home."

The 21-year-old isn't concerned after an early exit at Wimbledon and believes his tennis game is in good shape heading into the Olympics and Rogers Cup tournament.

"I think my game is in a good position," he explained. "Playing very well. Capable of a lot of things, in a position to win. Matter of playing well on that day … Just frustrated because I didn't play my best (at Wimbledon) and I wish I could've. I feel pretty good about my game and my chances when I go out there to play my matches."

The top 35 ranked players on the ATP Tour are currently committed to play in Toronto in the men's draw.

Top-ranked Novak Djokovic is expected to play in Toronto and has truly enjoyed his past experiences at the event.

"I think that Rogers Cup in both Montreal and Toronto do a tremendous job in organizing the event and it's one of the best Masters 1000 events that we have in the world of tennis," Djokovic said in a statement. "Every player enjoys playing there. I'm really looking forward to coming there and playing my best tennis."