Raonic sets record for most aces in best-of-three ATP match

Milos Raonic on Monday set the record for most aces hit in a best-of-three-set ATP Tour match (since 1991) when he struck 47 in his 6-7(6), 6-3, 7-6(9) victory against Cameron Norrie at the cinch Championships.

The Canadian, who saved two match points in his victory, broke the record previously held by Ivo Karlovic, who hit 45 aces in the 2015 Halle quarter-finals against Tomas Berdych. According to Infosys ATP Stats Raonic won 86 per cent of his first-serve points and held all 17 service games he played.

“With the scoreline and having to save match points, I probably needed every single one of those,” Raonic said. “But my serve has always been the most important shot to me. This small record, it's something special, something meaningful.

“I’m glad that behind that also stands a win because maybe I'd feel differently or maybe a bit more sour if I was to get that many free points and lose the match. So overall, a very positive thing and a fun stat to be proud of.”

Players To Hit 40 Aces In Best-Of-Three-Set ATP Tour Match (since 1991)

Entering the day, only seven men had hit at least 40 aces in a best-of-three-set ATP Tour match (since 1991). Karlovic, John Isner and Reilly Opelka did it twice, while Mardy Fish, Goran Ivanisevic, Nick Kyrgios and Mark Philippoussis accomplished the feat once each.

47 ACES! ??

The most aces in a three-set clash EVER, @milosraonic fends off Norrie 6-7(6), 6-3, 7-6(9)@QueensTennis | #cinchChampionships pic.twitter.com/RUNIgsHUXk

Raonic’s previous best in a best-of-three Tour clash came in 2011 in Memphis, where he hit 38 aces in the second round against Radek Stepanek. He made the final that week.

“It definitely makes a big difference. It's a big part of my game,” Raonic said of his serve. “If I didn't have my serve, my career would be very different, so I'm very thankful for that. And I'm trying to make everything else around it a little bit better too.”

The former No. 3 player in the PIF ATP Rankings will next play fourth seed Taylor Fritz or Taro Daniel.

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