Sixth-seeded Milos Raonic of Canada eliminated defending champion Andy Murray at the Rakuten Japan Open Tennis Championships 2012 semifinals on Saturday, saving two match points in the process and posting a significant victory against the world number three 6-3, 6-7, 7-6.
“Here, from the first match, I’ve been more aggressive, have come in as much as I can when I’ve created the opportunities and play under my terms more so than just waiting around,” the Canada’s number one player said.
“A big thing I changed coming into this week, is that I’m returning a lot closer. That took time. A big part of it is mental, preparing [myself] for that and having that instinct and drive to go after it when [I] have the opportunities to get ahead in the points,” he added.
It’s been a roller-coaster ride for Raonic in the tournament and he had to save match points in his last two matches, against Janko Tipsarevic (one match point) and Murray (two match points).
Raonic is aiming for his third title of the season. He will be facing Japan’s Kei Nishikori, another young contender at the ATP Tour, in the final on Sunday.
