Raonic pleased to have McEnroe back

Raonic was pleased to have the seven-time Grand Slam champion back with his coaching team and revealed words of advice have helped his progression at the O2 Arena. 

Published : Nov 18, 2016 14:53 IST , London

John McEnroe acted as a consultant for Raonic from May to August this year and was back on hand for the Canadian's crunch clash with Dominic Thiem at the end-of-season competition in London.
John McEnroe acted as a consultant for Raonic from May to August this year and was back on hand for the Canadian's crunch clash with Dominic Thiem at the end-of-season competition in London.
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John McEnroe acted as a consultant for Raonic from May to August this year and was back on hand for the Canadian's crunch clash with Dominic Thiem at the end-of-season competition in London.

Milos Raonic welcomed John McEnroe back into his team box as he progressed to the last four of the ATP World Tour Finals for the first time.

McEnroe acted as a consultant for Raonic from May to August this year and was back on hand for the Canadian's crunch clash with Dominic Thiem at the end-of-season competition in London.

After a shaky start Raonic quickly found his rhythm and progressed 7-6 (7-5) 6-3 to join Novak Djokovic in the last four.

Raonic was pleased to have the seven-time grand slam champion back with his coaching team and revealed words of advice have helped his progression at the O2 Arena. 

"Obviously it's a pleasure to have him there," he told a media conference. "He shares a lot of wisdom with me, a lot of his opinions. 

"I respect that. I respect him a lot for all those kind of things. It was a big plus to have him there."

McEnroe will not be on hand in the latter stages , though, with Raonic confirming the American great will leave London before the semifinals.

He added: "John I believe is already leaving tomorrow [Friday], so he won't be here for my next match. But we'll be in touch. We always are on a loose basis."

Victory over Thiem sees Raonic rise to provisional world number three - a race he is locked in with Stan Wawrinka and Kei Nishikori - and he is desperate to end 2016 just behind Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic.

"It's very big for me," he admitted. "I had a very big goal of wanting to win my first slam this year. I came up short on that. Obviously I didn't do it. 

"That [finishing third] was what I had for myself as the biggest motivator after the US Open. That's what I had for myself as the biggest motivator to come here and try to heal up quickly and play.

"Right now I think I've put myself in a good situation. Obviously there's a lot that plays out tomorrow. But I've done well to give myself this opportunity. I don't know where I stand right now, but I think I've done pretty good."

Raonic finished the night meeting one of his heroes as David Beckham paid him a visit to congratulate him on his victory.

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