Milos Raonic doesn't get an easy matchup to open his run at the National Bank Open.
The pregame narrative: The young and talented Holger Rune awaits the veteran tennis star. Raonic should be able to put up a fight, but ultimately, I expect Rune to win this match and go over his games won total.
Check out our Raonic vs. Rune odds and best bet for their National Bank Open match on Aug. 6.
Raonic vs. Rune National Bank Open odds
Go to full Raonic vs. Rune betting markets.
Best bet: Rune over 13.5 games won (+125)
Raonic's 2024 hardcourt results aren't going to inspire much confidence.
He was eliminated in the first round at the Australian Open, bowed out in the third round at Rotterdam, and wasn't fit enough to compete in the second round at the Indian Wells Open (against Rune).
That puts him at an underwhelming 4-3 record on the year.
Everybody knows the key to victory for Raonic is his monstrous serve. He's used it to catapult impressive runs at Grand Slams and Masters 1000 events. But a glimpse at his most recent match demonstrates the follies of his game.
Raonic lost in the first round at the Olympics to Germany's Dominik Koepfer. The Canadian produced an impressive 29 aces to 10 double faults but failed to force a single break point.
Winning in the return game will be very difficult against Rune. He owns the 34th-best serve rating (273.5) among all qualified players, according to ATPtour.com.
Both competitors will likely lean on the serve, but the more athletic Rune will likely be more successful in the return game at crucial points of this match.
I expect Raonic to have his moments and potentially win a set, but I see Rune being more successful and going over this total in the match.
Key stat: Raonic's opponent has won 14 games or more in two of his last three matches.
Picks made at 10:15 a.m. ET on 08/06/2024.
